Actress Sydney Sweeney now faces potential criminal charges after climbing the iconic Hollywood sign without permission to hang lingerie as part of a promotional stunt for her new business venture.
Sydney Sweeney could face vandalism charges after climbing the Hollywood sign and hanging bras on it to promote her new lingerie brand.
(via TMZ)
pic.twitter.com/906WzHsuJj— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) January 26, 2026
Unauthorized Hollywood Sign Climb
Video footage shows Sweeney and her film crew scaling the famous landmark at night, climbing the letter “H” before stringing a rope between letters to create a makeshift clothesline. The actress then hung several bras from the line as part of what sources describe as a marketing campaign for her lingerie brand. While the crew possessed a FilmLA permit to film near the sign, they lacked authorization to make physical contact with the structure itself.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which owns the sign, sent correspondence confirming no permission was granted for the stunt. Chamber officials emphasized that filming or using images of the sign requires explicit authorization, which Sweeney’s team failed to obtain. The unauthorized activity occurred despite clear regulations protecting the landmark from such commercial exploitation.
Legal Consequences and Investor Connections
Authorities indicate Sweeney and her crew likely face trespassing and vandalism charges for the illegal stunt. The Chamber president stated definitively that required permissions were never granted for the promotional activity. Sources suggest the production involved significant financial backing, reportedly including investment from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. This connection may explain Sweeney’s presence at Bezos’ wedding to Lauren Sánchez last summer, indicating potential business relationships behind the venture.
Landmark Protection and Legal Precedent
The Hollywood sign represents one of Los Angeles’ most protected landmarks, with strict regulations governing access and commercial use. These rules exist to preserve the structure’s integrity and prevent unauthorized promotional activities that could damage the iconic symbol. Legal experts suggest the criminal charges reflect California’s commitment to protecting public landmarks from commercial exploitation, regardless of celebrity status or financial backing behind such unauthorized ventures.