IOC, NBC deletes Olympic opening celebration footage from YouTube
Date
7/30/2024 5:54:31 AM
(MENAFN) The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has removed a video of the 2024 Summer Games opening ceremony from its YouTube channel following significant global backlash. The 26-minute highlight reel, titled "LET THE GAMES BEGIN! | #Paris2024 Opening Ceremony Highlights," was taken down after criticism emerged over a segment perceived as blasphemous by some Christian communities.
The controversy centered around a scene in which a group of drag queens, LGBTQ individuals, and transgender performers staged a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s renowned painting, *The Last Supper*. This portrayal, intended to celebrate inclusivity and community tolerance, was met with accusations of disrespect from various politicians, social media users, and religious groups.
The IOC did not provide a specific reason for the removal of the video, which was also deleted from NBC Sports' official YouTube channel. The comment sections of both videos have been disabled, further indicating a response to the growing discontent.
In the wake of the controversy, Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps issued an apology on behalf of the event organizers. She emphasized that the intention behind the ceremony was to promote tolerance and community, and expressed regret for any offense caused. Descamps reassured that there was no intention to disrespect any religious group, and affirmed that the ceremony aimed to celebrate inclusivity.
As a result of the video's removal, Olympic fans have turned their attention to past opening ceremonies, such as those from London 2012 and Sochi 2014, to both recall past successes and voice their dissatisfaction with the Paris ceremony. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between cultural expression and religious sensitivities in global events.
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