Sydney Sweeney has drawn criticism after climbing the iconic Hollywood Sign and hanging bras as part of a lingerie promotion.
The incident occurred in the dark and quickly gained traction online. Fans and officials questioned whether the stunt crossed legal boundaries.
Video footage shows the Euphoria star scaling the letter “H” while a production crew filmed the scene. The shoot aimed to promote Sweeney’s upcoming lingerie brand.
According to TMZ, Sweeney obtained a filming permit from FilmLA. However, the permit did not allow access to the sign itself.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which oversees the landmark, confirmed that no permission was granted to climb or alter the sign. Officials warned that the act could amount to trespassing or vandalism. Although crews later removed the bras, some items reportedly remained hanging for a short time.
Sydney Sweeney Climbs Hollywood Sign with Bras in Legally Dicey Move https://t.co/HLZkX3qlyk pic.twitter.com/Qxp5MzCbkZ
— TMZ (@TMZ) January 26, 2026
The incident has renewed debate over accountability in celebrity marketing stunts, especially those involving protected landmarks.
Industry insiders say the controversy could affect future approvals for filming near the Hollywood Sign. Authorities often enforce strict rules to protect the site from damage and misuse. The case highlights the tension between high-profile promotion and compliance with local regulations in Los Angeles.
Read: Christian Pulisic Shuts Down Sydney Sweeney Dating Rumors
The controversy comes as Sweeney enjoys strong box office momentum from her 2025 thriller The Housemaid, directed by Paul Feig and based on a novel by Freida McFadden. The film stars Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar. It follows a young woman drawn into a dangerous household while on parole.
Sydney Sweeney snuck up an L.A. mountain, climbed the iconic HOLLYWOOD Sign, and laced it with bras — and she may have gotten in trouble with the law. 😳
Details: https://t.co/nM4NvOQNac pic.twitter.com/CF92E4U66I
— TMZ (@TMZ) January 26, 2026
Released on December 19, 2025, The Housemaid earned $295 million worldwide. It grossed $115 million domestically and $179 million internationally. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 73% approval rating from critics. Reviews praised its twists and retro thriller tone.
TheWrap called it “even weirder and funnier than expected,” while The Daily Telegraph awarded four stars. The Wall Street Journal described it as a sharp and playful psychological thriller.
The combination of a bold publicity stunt and box office success has kept Sweeney firmly in the spotlight. Supporters praise her confidence, while critics question the judgment behind the incident at the Hollywood Sign.