Insult to Christianity, Hijab Ban, Sexiest Women Kit , Spy Drone Camera , Israel’s Participation.
Title: Controversies and Concerns Surrounding the 2024 Summer Olympics
There are various concerns and controversies related to the 2024 Summer Olympics, including security and human rights issues.
Insult of Christianity
The Opening Ceremony featured a tableau of Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” with drag queen artistes, including a child, causing outrage. This portrayal, seen as disrespectful by many, drew backlash from global political and religious leaders, including the French Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion in Egypt. The incident also received criticism from Elon Musk and several conservative American leaders.
Hijab Ban
The French government’s secularism laws, particularly the hijab ban during the Olympics, have been criticized. Sounkamba Sylla, a member of France’s 4 × 400 m women’s relay team, claimed she was barred from the Opening Ceremony’s Parade of Nations for wearing a hijab. The French National Olympic and Sports Committee is seeking a solution to allow her participation within the secularism policy. Sylla wore a cap instead of a hijab to the opening ceremony.
Sexist Women Costume
The official Nike kits for American women at the Paris 2024 Olympics faced backlash for being too revealing. Critics, including a track athlete and commentators on social media, argued that the costumes were a product of patriarchal forces, focusing more on appearance than on athletic performance.
Spy Drone Scandal at Training
New Zealand’s women’s football team spotted a drone hovering over their training session in St. Etienne before their opening game against Canada. The Canadian Olympic Committee confirmed a staff member used the drone to record the opposing team. Two Canadian staffers were sent home, and head coach Bev Priestman was removed from the Games. The COC expressed shock and disappointment, apologizing to the New Zealand team.
Allowing Israel to Participate
The participation of Israel amidst the Israel–Hamas war and the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes as neutrals during the Russian invasion of Ukraine have sparked debates. Despite an Olympic Truce, the wars in Ukraine and Palestine set a conflicted political background for the 2024 Olympics. Sportswriter Andy Bull described the event as the “Conflict Games.”