The Paris 2024 Olympics has faced significant backlash following the removal of the opening ceremony video from YouTube. This decision comes after widespread criticism of the event, which many viewers deemed the “worst ever” Olympic opening ceremony.
The ceremony, held in Paris, was marred by poor weather conditions, which included torrential rain that left many spectators drenched and struggling to hear the performances. Despite the presence of high-profile acts and a unique format that involved athletes arriving via boats on the Seine River, the overall reception was overwhelmingly negative.
Social media users quickly expressed their disappointment, sharing screenshots of the now-unavailable video, which displayed a blank screen with the message, “this video is not available.” In stark contrast, full-length versions of previous Olympic ceremonies, such as those from London 2012, Rio 2016, and Beijing 2022, remain accessible online.
The Paris ceremony featured a variety of artistic performances that aimed to celebrate French values like freedom, fraternity, and equality. However, one particular tableau, which drew inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” sparked outrage. Critics accused the organizers of creating a “woke” parody, with some claiming it was disrespectful to Christianity.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, voiced his disapproval on social media, labeling the performance as “extremely disrespectful to Christians.” He further commented on the state of Christianity, suggesting it has become “toothless.”
The artistic interpretation of the Last Supper included a cast of drag queens and a transgender model, which some viewers found offensive. Catholic Bishop Robert Barron also condemned the performance, stating that it was a “gross mockery” of the biblical scene.
Despite the controversy, some segments of the audience praised the ceremony, particularly the fashion show that showcased young French designers. However, the overall execution was criticized for its lack of coherence and the numerous technical issues that plagued the event.
Among the gaffes were misidentifications of countries, including a moment when South Korea was mistakenly introduced as North Korea. The International Olympic Committee later issued an apology for this error.
The mixed reception extended beyond social media, with various media outlets offering scathing reviews. The New York Times described the ceremony as a “bloated made-for-TV spectacle,” while the New York Post called it “boring, ill-conceived, and choppy.” Even within France, the response was lukewarm, with some outlets noting that while the show had its moments, it was ultimately excessive.
As the backlash grew, the decision to remove the opening ceremony video from YouTube was made, leaving many to wonder about the future of the Paris 2024 Olympics and its ability to recover from this rocky start. The absence of the video has only fueled further discussions about the event’s execution and the organizers’ choices.
In the wake of the ceremony, the Paris Olympics committee has not provided any official explanation for the video’s removal. This silence has led to speculation about the potential impact on the overall perception of the games.
As the world looks forward to the upcoming events, the Paris 2024 Olympics will need to address the criticisms and work to restore its image. The opening ceremony, which was meant to be a celebration of sport and culture, has instead become a focal point for controversy and disappointment.
The fallout from this event serves as a reminder of the high expectations placed on the Olympics and the challenges that come with hosting such a significant global event. As the games approach, all eyes will be on Paris to see how they navigate the aftermath of this tumultuous opening ceremony.
Source: Various News Outlets
