Why Zendaya Is Maintaining Silence on Sydney Sweeney’s Betting Ad

Sources close to the actress suggest that Zendaya views engaging in the debate as a misstep that would only serve to diminish her own recent professional momentum. According to Star Magazine, the decision to remain silent is a calculated move to avoid participating in what she considers petty industry infighting. Rather than taking shots at a former colleague, she is reportedly focused on maintaining her career trajectory and keeping her public image untarnished.

This restraint stands in contrast to other high-profile figures who have weighed in on the campaign. Sharon Stone recently argued that the advertisement, which features Sweeney using sports equipment while scantily clad, denigrates female athletics to drive gambling engagement. Meanwhile, Florence Pugh signaled her own disapproval by engaging with social media posts critical of the ad’s sexualization of women. Conversely, WNBA player Sophie Cunningham has defended Sweeney, dismissing the backlash as an overreaction and noting that the campaign is a commercial product rather than a statement on women’s sports.

Zendaya’s silence also comes amid persistent, unverified rumors regarding her relationship with Sweeney. Speculation about a rift between the two has circulated for months, fueled by social media activity and tabloid reports regarding their differing political views and alleged personal tensions. Despite the noise surrounding their professional dynamic, neither actress has addressed the rumors, and Zendaya’s current strategy appears to be one of total disengagement from the narrative.