“One of us forgot her panties at home” Sophie Cunningham posts unhealthy reaction to Sydney Sweeney’s appearance at NASCAR event causing controversy from fans
The NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 2, 2025, was already buzzing with high-stakes racing action as four drivers—Kyle Larson, William Byron, Chase Briscoe, and Denny Hamlin—vied for the title. But the event took an unexpected turn into celebrity crossover territory when Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney made a surprise appearance to promote her upcoming biopic, “Christy,” about boxer Christy Martin. Dressed in a white racing jacket, crop top, black leather shorts, and red boots, Sweeney delivered an inspirational pre-race speech, waving the checkered flag and drawing parallels between the fighters in her film and the determination of NASCAR champions. “Most days, this checkered flag means victory, but today, it means something more: A dream realized, a life changed, a name that will never be forgotten,” she told the crowd, tying her role’s grit to the sport’s intensity.
Amid the star-studded atmosphere, Sweeney posed for photos with fans and drivers alike, including Noah Gragson, who eagerly introduced himself during the drivers’ meeting. However, one encounter stole the social media spotlight: a snapshot with WNBA player Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever. Cunningham, who served as an honorary pace car driver and has roots in Phoenix from her six seasons with the Mercury, was decked out in an open Phoenix Raceway jersey over a white crop top and tiny denim shorts. The two glamorous figures smiling side-by-side quickly went viral, but it was Cunningham’s caption that ignited a firestorm.
Posting the photo on X (formerly Twitter) under her handle @sophaller, Cunningham wrote: “one of us forgot our tits at home 😜 @sydney_sweeney.” The playful, self-deprecating jab—clearly aimed at herself, given Sweeney’s well-known curvaceous figure from roles in “Euphoria” and “Anyone But You”—was meant as humor. Cunningham, no stranger to bold online persona, has built a massive following through witty, unfiltered posts, brand deals with Adidas and Arby’s, and appearances on “Good Morning America.” Her offseason has been a whirlwind of visibility, especially after playing alongside Caitlin Clark and recovering from a torn MCL that cut her 2025 season short.
The post exploded almost immediately, racking up over 24,000 likes, 844 reposts, and hundreds of replies within hours. Fans flooded the comments with laughing emojis, calling it “iconic” and “the win of the day.” Many praised Cunningham’s confidence, with one user writing, “Sophie is so [expletive] funny,” while others highlighted her long legs as a counterpoint to Sweeney’s assets. The image spread across platforms, breaking the internet in true celebrity mashup fashion, as outlets like Total Pro Sports and Sportskeeda dubbed it a “wild” and “unfiltered NSFW reaction.”
Yet, not everyone saw the humor. A vocal segment of fans labeled the comment “unhealthy,” arguing it promoted body shaming and unrealistic standards for women in sports and entertainment. Critics pointed out the irony of two empowered figures reducing themselves to physical comparisons, with some replying directly on X that it was “disrespectful” or “cringe.” Others defended it as lighthearted banter, emphasizing Cunningham’s intent to troll herself rather than Sweeney, who has faced her own scrutiny over objectification in Hollywood. “Love her or hate her, Cunningham knows how to generate buzz,” one analyst noted, crediting her savvy self-marketing for skyrocketing stardom.
The backlash spilled into broader discussions about women’s bodies in the public eye. Some fans accused Cunningham of insecurity, while others slammed the double standard—Sweeney often embraces her curves, but joking about it crossed a line for purists. “This wins X today,” one commenter quipped, but threads debated whether such posts empower or undermine female athletes. Cunningham, entering free agency with tough decisions ahead for the Fever, has leaned into her glamorous image, from swimsuit selfies to podcast hosting. Her legacy in Phoenix, coupled with this viral moment, only amplifies her off-court influence.
Sweeney, fresh off promoting “Christy” at events like the World Series and NBA games, seemed unfazed, continuing her NASCAR duties with poise. She interacted warmly with drivers and fans, even sharing a fun video that Cunningham later reacted to on Instagram. No response from Sweeney has surfaced yet, but the pairing underscored the blurring lines between sports, Hollywood, and social media.
As the race unfolded—ultimately crowning a champion amid roaring engines—the real winner might have been online engagement. Cunningham’s post not only humanized the stars but sparked conversations about humor, body positivity, and the pressures of fame. In an era where one cheeky caption can dominate headlines, this NASCAR detour proved that sometimes, the pits hold more drama than the track. Whether “unhealthy” or harmless, the controversy ensures both women remain in the spotlight, reminding us that in 2025’s hyper-connected world, a simple photo can rev up debates faster than any V8 engine.
