Actor Sydney Sweeney recently stole the spotlight when she was filmed climbing the Hollywood sign at night to hang bras as part of a promotion for her new lingerie line. The footage caught significant attention, but it seems Sweeney didn’t have permission for the stunt.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which manages the intellectual property of the iconic sign, was unaware of Sweeney’s actions until they saw the video. Chief Steve Nissen stated that anyone wanting to use the sign for commercial purposes must get proper approval from the Chamber. “The production involving Sydney Sweeney… was not authorized,” Nissen said, emphasizing the need for a license.
The police have not filed a report regarding this incident, which means no criminal investigation is currently underway. Generally, access to the Hollywood sign is limited, and climbing it or making alterations is strictly prohibited.
Interestingly, the sign has seen its fair share of alterations over the years. In 1976, a local college student temporarily changed “Hollywood” to “Hollyweed” to celebrate a change in marijuana laws. That incident occurred again in 2017, resulting in an arrest.
Sweeney has had her share of creative promotions before. Last year, she faced backlash over an ad campaign for jeans, stating she was surprised by the negative reactions. Despite the controversies, Sweeney’s ability to spark conversation illustrates the complexities of celebrity endorsements in today’s social media landscape.
This raises an interesting point: as promotional tactics grow bolder and often cross into public spaces, it’s essential to balance creativity with respect for community rules and sentiments. In a world where viral moments can overshadow intentions, it’s worth pondering how these stunts will evolve.
For further reading on regulations involving iconic landmarks, you can visit the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Hollywood Sign Trust.
