Sydney Sweeney is facing potential legal issues after a daring stunt at the famous Hollywood sign in Los Angeles. The actress climbed the letter H and attached bras to the sign during a promotional event for her new lingerie line, which is backed by Jeff Bezos, according to sources.
Details of the Controversial Hollywood Sign Promotion
The footage, obtained by TMZ, shows Sweeney scaling the iconic landmark while a production crew films the stunt. Although the nonprofit FilmLA, responsible for issuing filming permits in Los Angeles, granted permission for filming the Hollywood sign, neither Sweeney nor her team were authorized to physically touch or climb it. Additionally, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which owns the sign, confirmed that no permission was given for the shoot involving the stunt, as reported by TMZ.
If the Chamber decides to pursue action, Sweeney could face charges including criminal trespassing and vandalism due to unauthorized access and alteration of the landmark.
Previous Controversies Surrounding Sydney Sweeney
This incident adds to a series of controversies involving Sweeney in recent years. In 2025, she appeared in American Eagle’s fall campaign, wearing denim and featuring the phrase “Sydney Sweeney has great genes.” One advertisement showed her crossing out “jeans” and replacing it with “genes,” which sparked accusations that the campaign promoted eugenics, with some critics drawing comparisons to Nazi propaganda.
Sweeney remained mostly silent during the backlash and subsequent struggles with box office results. When she eventually addressed the controversy in an interview with Variety, she explained,
“I’ve always believed that I’m not here to tell people what to think.”
She further commented on the campaign, saying,
“I did a jean ad. I mean, the reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans. All I wear are jeans. I’m literally in jeans and a T-shirt every day of my life,”
and added,
“I knew at the end of the day what that ad was for, and it was great jeans, it didn’t affect me one way or the other.”
Implications of the Stunt and What’s Ahead
The stunt draws attention not only because of the iconic status of the Hollywood sign but also due to the possible legal consequences for Sweeney and her production team. The incident raises questions about the boundaries of promotional marketing and the importance of respecting protected landmarks. As the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce considers next steps, this situation underscores the need for clear permissions when using public symbols for advertising.
Sydney Sweeney’s recent activities illustrate her willingness to take bold risks for her brand, but they also highlight the delicate balance between creative promotion and legal compliance that celebrities must navigate in their public endeavors.
