Sydney Sweeney's World Series Intro Sparks Fan Backlash Across U.S.

Sydney Sweeney sparked significant controversy among baseball fans during the pregame coverage of Game 4 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays by appearing in a glossy Fox introduction wearing a red minidress and delivering a monologue romanticizing the sport. While some viewers appreciated her presence and the poetic tone highlighting the hard work and imperfections of baseball, many fans criticized the segment as overly Hollywood and tone-deaf, accusing Fox of "Hollywood-izing" the event and overshadowing the players. The backlash was echoed on social media, where #SydneySweeney trended with comments both condemning and defending her involvement. Critics also questioned her voiceover performance and the casting choice, feeling it conflicted with the authentic spirit of baseball. Sweeney was attending the game alongside Christy Martin, the boxer she portrays in an upcoming biopic, adding context to her sports-related appearance. Her cameo also re-ignited previous controversies around her public image, with some commentators noting the political and cultural divides influencing reactions to her role in the broadcast.