An artist who was arrested for altering the Hollywood Sign in 2017 is now demanding that actress Sydney Sweeney face similar legal consequences for using the landmark to promote her lingerie brand.
Zach Fernandez, known professionally as Jesushands, changed the sign to read “HOLLYWEED” seven years ago—an act that led to his arrest on trespassing charges, a fine, and community service. He argues that Sweeney’s recent stunt, in which she hung bras from the sign to advertise her new line, Syrn, should be treated under the same laws.
“When enforcement changes depending on who’s involved or what’s being sold, people notice,” Fernandez told TMZ. He emphasized that his modification was an artistic tribute to the late Daniel Finegood, who performed a similar alteration in 1976, while Sweeney’s was “a brand-backed advertisement.”
Fernandez also pointed out that although he later founded a lifestyle brand named Hollyweed, it was inspired by his act—not an advertisement created in the moment, as he alleges was the case with Sweeney’s display.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has stated it is investigating how Sweeney’s team accessed the sign and whether any rules were broken, noting that legal action could follow if she is found liable. So far, no charges have been filed.
Sweeney has not publicly expressed concern. She shared a video on Instagram showing her and a crew, dressed in black, scaling one of the letters at night to hang the bras. The post sparked criticism online, with some calling the stunt “stupid” and the actress “unlikable.”
Despite the backlash, Sweeney continues to promote Syrn, describing it in an interview with ELLE as lingerie designed to make women feel “confident without pressure” and available in a wide range of sizes.
The controversy arrives after Sweeney recently received public support following inappropriate comments made by Elon Musk about her body on social media in late 2025.
The question now remains whether the attention around the Hollywood Sign incident will hurt—or unexpectedly boost—interest in her lingerie brand.
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