July 28th 2024.
The Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony certainly made quite a splash. The official footage of the event, which was hosted on the Olympics YouTube channel, has since been taken down due to backlash and criticism. It was a grand affair in the city of lights, but it also sparked quite a debate among viewers.
The ceremony was nothing short of epic, with a dazzling display of athletes floating down the River Seine as they were introduced to the world. However, some viewers found this part to be a bit too long and tedious. The production also featured a star-studded lineup of sporting legends such as Zinedine Zidane, Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, and Nadia Comaneci. But it was the non-sporting performances that really caught people's attention, with a variety of unusual acts on display.
One of the most talked-about moments was a fashion show that was followed by a unique interpretation of Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, The Last Supper. Actor Phillippe Katerine made a memorable appearance as the blue-painted Greek god of wine, Dionysus. The ceremony also featured a metal horse galloping down the river with the Olympic flag and a heavy metal performance from Gojira, introduced by a headless Marie Antoinette. However, all the footage from the ceremony has now been removed from the Olympics YouTube channel.
Some viewers have expressed disappointment over the removal of the video, as full-length versions of previous Olympic ceremonies are still available to watch. One of the reasons for the backlash was the perceived disrespect towards Christianity, according to billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. American Catholic Bishop Robert Barron also shared his disappointment with the ceremony, stating that it was a "gross mockery" of The Last Supper.
However, not everyone was offended by the controversial performances. Phillippe Katerine, who portrayed Dionysus, brushed off the criticism, stating that "it wouldn't be fun if there were no controversy." Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet also defended the ceremony, stating that they wanted to send a strong message and trigger reflection. He also emphasized the importance of freedom of expression in France.
Despite the controversy, some performances were widely praised, such as French band Gojira's stunning metal rendition of "Ah! Ça Ira," featuring opera singer Marina Viotti. The band took to social media to share their excitement, calling it an "unforgettable experience." It seems that while the ceremony may have divided opinions, it was certainly a memorable event for all involved.
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