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Television viewers worldwide anticipate Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony, hoping for redemption after the controversial opening event backlash.
Tonight, as the curtain prepares to fall on the Paris 2024 Olympics the International Olympic Committee (IOC) finds itself at a critical juncture grappling with the aftermath of a controversial opening ceremony.
With billions set to watch the closing ceremony at 10 PM East Africa Time, the pressure is immense to avoid a repeat of the backlash that marred the Games' commencement.
The uproar began after the opening ceremony on the Seine, which featured a tableau that many interpreted as a parody of the Last Supper, sparking widespread indignation.
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13:00 - 27.07.2024
Blasphemy in Paris: Christians boil as Olympic organizers re-create Last Super using drag queens
There was more uproar from another biblical scene of pale white horse described in the book of Revelations.
The performance included drag queens, a transgender model, and a semi-naked singer, culminating in a fruit bowl scene that drew the ire of various Christian groups and public figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who labeled it a "disgrace."
In response to the backlash, Thierry Reboul, the executive director of both the opening and closing ceremonies, admitted to revising the closing ceremony script multiple times.
"We had to reread the entire show for the umpteenth time to be sure that there is no possible misinterpretation, that we are not made to say what we do not want to say," Reboul stated as per Guardian.
Despite his efforts to avoid controversy, Reboul and artistic director Thomas Jolly have faced severe repercussions, including death threats.
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12:00 - 11.08.2024
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Reboul's strategy has been to confront these threats head-on, filing complaints to demonstrate resilience against intimidation.
The Paris 2024 organizing committee initially issued an apology, specifically to Catholics and other Christian groups offended by the perceived mockery of Christianity.
However, Thomas Jolly later clarified that the controversial scene was inspired by a 17th-century Dutch painting depicting Greek Olympian gods, not a biblical scene.
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11:00 - 11.08.2024
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Looking ahead to tonight's closing ceremony, rumors are swirling about potential performances.
After the stunning appearances by Celine Dion and Lady Gaga at the opening, expectations are high.
Speculation includes a stunt segment by Tom Cruise and possible appearances by Taylor Swift or Beyoncé, both of whom have significant followings in Europe.
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10:00 - 11.08.2024
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In a move to focus on the future rather than the past, the section of the closing ceremony dedicated to introducing the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 has been extended.
"It’s usually a 12-minute sequence to launch future games; this one will be a little longer," Reboul explained.
Reboul, who has managed rehearsals at the Stade de France from 1 AM to 5 AM to avoid conflicts with athletic events, expressed pride and passion for the opening ceremony, despite the controversies.
"We can dare to say that we’re proud to be French," he remarked.
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09:30 - 11.08.2024
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The closing ceremony script remains under wraps, but Reboul promises it will be a "moment of tolerance, sharing, and communion, without a bad pun," tailored to the grandeur of the Stade de France, which he likens to a theater setting.
"It will be magnificent," he assured.
"But what we did on the Seine, we can only do it once. If all goes well, we will have a blast."
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