The Olympics are supposed to be a time when politics and division give way to unity and the spirit of competition.
Yet politics always seem to make an unwelcome appearance and that happened several times during the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
The political talk began in unexpected fashion after a bizarre sequence in the opening ceremony showed a beheaded Marie Antoinette figure, holding her head, singing.
headless marie antoinette opening ceremony is metal af
— Kimmi Kill Zombie (@kimmikillzombie) July 26, 2024
The famous queen’s 1793 execution in the French Revolution helped shape modern political history, and many social media users argued about what that means today.
The French using their global spotlight to send a political message to right wing anti democracy factions everywhere is 10/10 fucking perfect no notes. https://t.co/awmEe1ahMj
— Erin Belieu (@erinbelieu) July 26, 2024
Telling a story =/= celebrating. And the state became authoritarian but the sentiment around her murder is basically what Americans proclaim to be, a check on power and greed.
The French did what Americans promise they will do every year but eventually cower
— Jay (@lnjard) July 26, 2024
The ceremony also featured a drag queen parody of the Last Supper that sparked comment.
Who knew the French Revolution and the Last Supper could spark such animated political debate in 2024? NBC announcer Mike Tirico also raised the ire of some fans with his introduction of the athletes from Iran.
So I’m watching the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games and I can’t help but to call out Mike Tirico. Sir, The American Audience is fully aware about how our diplomatic relations with Iran are in regards to the current situation in the Middle East.
The same goes with Israel.
— Jesus Farias 🇲🇽🇺🇸 (@RealJesusFarias) July 26, 2024
Tirico also got called out for the way in which he introduced the Israeli and Palestinian athletes.
Prediction: This won’t be the last time politics becomes a hot topic in the Paris Olympics.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.