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Sydney Sweeney could be charged with vandalism? Here's what she did
Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney sparked controversy and potential legal trouble after climbing the iconic Hollywood Sign in a late-night promotional stunt.
Sydney Sweeney made headlines again for another ad campaign gone wrong. TMZ obtained footage of Sweeney climbing the Hollywood Sign and hanging a string of bras across its iconic letter.
While Sweeney's team secured a permit from Film LA to film at the landmark, reports indicate she did not seek permission from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to climb, touch, or commercially use the Hollywood Sign itself.
This could potentially mean legal trouble for the actress should the Chamber decide to pursue action against her and her production crew.
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What did Sweeney do?
The Hollywood Sign is one of Los Angeles' most protected and recognisable attractions. Naturally, the iconic landmark is restricted to public access and under surveillance to prevent trespassing or defacement.
TMZ reported that Sweeney was filmed under the cover of darkness ascending the hillside and then scaling one of the 45-foot-tall letters. Footage shared by TMZ shows her and a production crew carrying out the stunt wearing black cargo pants, a black hoodie and a black hat, stringing together bras from her upcoming lingerie line, Syrn. She draped the clothesline across the structure and then stopped to look and admire her work and laugh.
Read more: Sydney Sweeney poses nude for magazine, fans say she’s ‘breaking the internet’
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce was not in tandem
The promotion stunt was reportedly to generate attention and buzz ahead of Syrn's official launch, reportedly backed by private equity firm Coatue with investors including Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez.
However, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has emphasized that no license was granted to Sweeney and her team for touching or climbing the landmark, according to an email obtained by TMZ. They warned that such actions are prohibited even if a film permit was obtained for nearby shooting.
They further clarified that they are not allowed to “shoot the sign or use the video without getting prior approval from the Chamber.”
This could lead Sweeney exposed to charges such as criminal trespassing or vandalism.
TMZ reported that after the shoot, the bras were removed.
