Billy Bush defends Sydney Sweeney over controversial sports ad campaign
Feminist backlash erupts over Sydney Sweeney's new sports betting commercial, but Billy Bush calls her marketing strategy 'brilliant.' Bush tells Jesse Watters that Sweeney secured equity in Novig before the ad gained forty million views. He compares the controversy to previous outrage over American Eagle and the ESPN Body Issue, noting that critics always eventually move on.
Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe are related, according to a new genealogy report.
The global family history platform MyHeritage determined that Sweeney and Monroe are ninth cousins once removed, with their family trees connected through a shared ancestor, Ezra Perry, an early settler in Sandwich, Massachusetts, who lived from approximately 1625 to 1689.
The relationship runs through Sweeney’s father, Steven Sweeney, and Monroe’s biological father, Charles Stanley Gifford, according to MyHeritage’s research.
Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe are distant cousins, according to a new genecology report conducted by MyHeritage. (Getty Images)
"People have always drawn parallels between Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe, but seeing their paths align on a deeper level inspired us to look for a real bond in the MyHeritage archives," Roi Mandel, director of research at MyHeritage, said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital.
"Uncovering their shared branch was incredible," Mandel continued. "It’s a powerful reminder that humanity is one vast family tree, and when we dig deep, we uncover how remarkably interconnected we all are."
MARILYN MONROE ROLE LEAVES ACTRESSES 'SET UP TO FAIL': EXPERTS
Representatives for Sweeney did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
The discovery comes after years of comparisons between Sweeney and Monroe, from their blonde bombshell images and Old Hollywood glamour to the intense public attention surrounding their careers and personal lives.
Sweeney has also embraced Monroe’s iconic style on several red carpets.
In February, the "Euphoria" star wore an ivory Ceil Chapman gown at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival that closely resembled the dress Monroe wore on the cover of LIFE magazine in 1952.
LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Sydney Sweeney attends the 41st Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival at The Arlington Theatre on Feb. 8, 2026, in Santa Barbara, Calif. (Getty Images)
Monroe wore the white, off-the-shoulder gown for the April 7, 1952, issue of LIFE. The look featured dramatic ruching, a cinched waist and a decorative brooch at the neckline.
Sweeney’s stylist, Molly Dickson, sourced the vintage dress from Beverly Hills boutique Timeless Vixen. The actress accessorized the look with a brooch that also echoed Monroe’s styling.
GET ENTERTAINMENT SCOOP DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR EMAIL BY CLICKING HERE
Sweeney also previously channeled Monroe at the December premiere of "The Housemaid," wearing a white gown with a sweeping skirt that recalled Monroe’s famous dress from the subway grate scene in "The Seven Year Itch."
Sydney Sweeney channeled Monroe last December. (Getty Images)
Additionally, there is another reported parallel between the actresses.
SYDNEY SWEENEY SHARES CHEEKY BOAT TRIP PHOTOS WITH BOYFRIEND SCOOTER BRAUN
Monroe converted to Judaism in 1956 before marrying playwright Arthur Miller.
A Page Six report claimed that Sweeney is considering converting to Judaism amid her relationship with Scooter Braun.
PUT YOUR ENTERTAINMENT KNOWLEDGE TO THE TEST AND SEE HOW YOU SCORE
Sweeney's representatives did not immediately comment on this report.
Sydney Sweeney is reportedly considering converting to Judiasm. (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Although Sweeney and Monroe’s connection dates back roughly 400 years, the finding adds a real family link to the comparisons that have followed Sweeney throughout her rise to fame.
Fox News Digital's Michael Ruiz contributed to this post.
