Beyond the rings #12 - July 31
he games are now well underway with a memorable ceremony that left no one indifferent, to say the least! Don't miss a thing with this twelfth edition of our newsletter, curated by Weber Shandwick France.?
Once again, we offer you a glimpse of all the current events of the games, from the highlights of this opening ceremony, its perception, to the coordinated attack on the railway network on the first day of the games. Happy reading and enjoy the games.?
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WHAT’S FLAMING THIS WEEK? By @Laurent Manologlou?
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For an exceptional ceremony, an exceptional newsletter. The opening ceremony was an event of superlatives and extravagances: 12 scenes, 85 boats sailing on the Seine transformed into a living 6-kilometer stage, 22 million viewers in France alone, and certainly more than 1.5 billion worldwide.?
Even the surprise rain couldn't overshadow the performance of 3000 dancers and performers and a multitude of stars like Lady Gaga as Zizi Jeanmaire, Aya Nakamura in a duet with the Republican Guard, Mezo Soprano singing the Marseillaise on the roof of the Grand Palais, or Celine Dion for an “Hymne à l’amour” from the top of the Eiffel Tower. A true ode to sports and culture brilliantly concluded by the lighting of an aerial Olympic cauldron.?
A successful gamble for the organization, mostly praised internationally, a founding event not only for the launch of the competition but also for the radiance of France's image. And you, what was your impression??
However, this ceremony, with its scale, did not avoid the trap of controversy, including reactions from Viktor Orban, Donald Trump, and the French episcopate on certain scenes of the show. The start of these games also shows that geopolitical tensions remain, notably in the Israeli football delegation's tense match against Mali.?
As exceptional as they may be, there will be no truce during the games, as shown by the coordinated attack suffered by SNCF on the day of the opening ceremony.?
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Perception pitfalls?
?We first planned to cover here the well managed crisis management of the coordinated sabotage of the French TGV network, however we eventually turned our gaze back to the opening ceremony of the games, which continues to draw reactions worldwide days later. To quickly recall the facts, this final scene featured a large table where French singer Philippe Katrine, nearly nude and painted in glittery blue, posed in front of DJ Leslie Barbara Butch, who was adorned with a halo, and accompanied by a dozen queer dancers. Where does the problem lie? Some interpret this staging as a mockery of Jesus's Last Supper with his apostles. Whether it's interpretation or manipulation, the result is the same: the organization quickly reacted by justifying itself (the reference was supposedly to The Feast of the Gods, a painting displayed at the Magnin Museum in Dijon) before apologizing, as did the artistic director and Philippe Katrine. The DJ, meanwhile, has filed a complaint for a worldwide cyber harassment campaign. This sequence shows that even in the 21st century, references to the sacred stigmatize and inflame passions. Meanwhile, it's worth noting that the Chinese are praising the "Smurf artist". After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.?
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An opening ceremony that divides the French political class?
The opening ceremony of the sports games has sparked numerous reactions within the French political class. For some, it was "a French masterpiece", "a source of pride", "a slap in the face to obscurantists", while for others, it was a "shame" and a "woke" spectacle.?
Despite a "truce" requested by the head of state, attacks and political debates have persisted. The presidential camp celebrated the event, with reactions on the social network X from the Prime Minister and the Minister of Economy.?
On its right, reactions were more mixed. Among the Republicans, the beauty of the ceremony is acknowledged, but the caricature of the Last Supper is criticized, which according to some, seeks to "ridicule Christians."?
Amidst these debates, the surprise concert by Céline Dion on the Eiffel Tower seems to have brought everyone together and moved the entire political class.?
?The Olympic truce, a pure illusion??
These sporting events are meant to be a pause of peace and brotherhood in a context of tension. However, despite the strength and intensity that sports can bring, global conflicts still manifest during these games.?
Criticisms from Viktor Orban and the spokesperson for Russian diplomacy highlights this, as they both condemned the opening ceremony, calling it a "failure" and a "moral void."?
On the field, geopolitical tensions were also felt. The Israeli football delegation experienced a tense first match against Mali on Wednesday, July 24th, during which the Israeli anthem was booed, and Palestinian flags were waved.?
Jibril Rajub, president of the Palestinian Olympic Committee, told the Guardian that Palestinians will be called to "adhere to the Olympic Charter”. While Ukrainian athletes have been instructed not to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian athletes during this summer's Games, Rajub stated that no similar directive had been given to the Palestinian delegation of eight athletes.?
?Sabotage at the SNCF?
The French national railroad network (SNCF) experienced a "massive attack" during the night of Thursday, July 25th, to Friday, July 26th, severely disrupting train services on the Atlantic, Northern, and Eastern routes. The operation appears to have been "prepared and coordinated, with the aim of a significant and widespread impact on the entire TGV network," the group specified.?
On Saturday, July 27th, an anonymous collective, presenting itself under the banner of an "unknown delegation," sent an email to the French and international press. The signatories expressed their disdain for the sporting event and "the entire capitalist economy."?
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According to Frédéric Péchenard, former Director General of the SNCF, "this resembles an act of the far-left." While the political class remained cautious about the perpetrators, all condemned the attack and expressed outrage at the disruptions it caused to many travelers.?
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?????When Legends Meet: Zinedine Zidane and Jamel Debbouze's hilarious sketch?
?On July 26, 2024, during the opening ceremony, Zinedine Zidane and Jamel Debbouze teamed up for a memorable sketch. Debbouze, alone with the Olympic flame, humorously interacted with Zidane, who arrived like a superhero to carry the flame through Paris. The sketch included Zidane navigating traffic, jumping on car roofs, and taking the metro, ending with children taking the flame to the ceremony, blending comedy with sports spirit.?
???? The Mystery Behind the Masked Revealed?
?During the opening ceremony, a masked individual carried the precious flame, sparking curiosity and excitement. The identity of this enigmatic torchbearer has now been revealed, adding a layer of intrigue to the event. Simon Nogueira, a TikTok celebrity with 4 million followers, an expert in parkour, a discipline that involves navigating and overcoming various obstacles in urban or natural environments, kept everyone on the edge of their seats. This reveal highlights the blend of tradition and modern spectacle that characterizes the Paris Games, capturing the attention of viewers worldwide.??
???? A Star-Studded Show?
?The opening ceremony featured performances by renowned artists such as Lady Gaga and Aya Nakamura. The event, held on the Seine, showcased a diverse lineup of entertainers, adding to the excitement and grandeur of the ceremony. The performances reflected the vibrant cultural spirit of the Games, setting a festive tone for the international sporting event.??
?But....?
?? ?? Céline Dion Shines?
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During the opening ceremony on July 26, Céline Dion delivered a stunning performance, singing édith Piaf's "L'Hymne à l'amour" at the Eiffel Tower. Contrary to some speculation, Dion sang live, not in playback, despite pre-recording her voice as a precaution due to her health condition. The musical director, Victor Le Masne, confirmed that Dion performed live, adding a powerful and emotional end to the ceremony.?
?? How did the World See It ? Let’s see on X!??
Controversy Sparks as Ceremony Criticized for 'Woke' Elements?
?The opening ceremony has faced backlash from the French bishops and far-right politicians, who claim it mocked Christianity, particularly referencing a tableau featuring drag queens resembling the Last Supper. The bishops expressed disappointment over the perceived mockery, while right-wing critics decried the ceremony as "woke."?
?Paris Stuns the World: A Unique and Daring Opening Ceremony?
Despite some controversy and rain, the opening ceremony wowed the world with its bold and unique spectacle on the Seine. Highlights included Céline Dion’s emotional performance, leaving global commentators praising its audacity and originality.?
?Opening ceremony Replay Scandal? IOC Sets the Record Straight?
Rumors swirled about the IOC removing the opening ceremony replay from YouTube. Still, the IOC clarified that the videos are geo-blocked only in certain regions due to broadcast rights.??
Massive sabotage disrupts SNCF trains as summer events begin?
?Coordinated sabotage attacks on France's high-speed rail network have caused severe disruptions, affecting 800,000 passengers during the opening weekend. With extensive damage to critical infrastructure, an investigation into the attacks' origins is underway.?
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