Previous Olympics have been marred by scandals and controversies, ranging from the trivial, such as a torch not lighting at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Games in Vancouver, to the political, such as the 1980 Games in Moscow, which were boycotted by 65 countries because of the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan.
But Paris is off to a flying start.
Here are the moments that didn’t go as planned:
— The four-hour opening ceremony showcased the best of French culture, including its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, in a drag show featuring the winners of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and a performance by Lady Gaga. Part of the performance included the queens performing a skit that resembled Leonardo da Vinci’s fresco of Jesus Christ and his disciples, “The Last Supper,” prompting swift backlash from Catholic leaders who denounced the spectacle.
— In a major diplomatic mix-up, South Korean athletes were introduced as being from North Korea at the opening ceremony. The head of the Olympic Committee apologized to Seoul, calling the mistake “very regrettable.” It’s not the first time Olympic officials have confused the two countries. At the 2012 London Olympics, organizers flew the South Korean flag before a women’s soccer match between North Korea and Colombia, delaying the game by more than an hour.
—The final misstep at the opening ceremony — at least the one people have reported so far — occurred in the final minute, when members of the French military unfurled the Olympic flag… upside down.
Politices
