The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics has been marred by controversy, with some people calling it “the worst ever” – but what did fans really think?
Around 6,800 athletes covered in plastic ponchos tried to keep their spirits high as they travelled down the River Seine in a huge flotilla of 85 boats.
But people were outraged when they went inside to watch the opening ceremony and discovered the audio was terrible due to the torrential rain.
There was also a decapitated Marie Antoinette singing, as well as an apparent parody of the Last Supper that was considered blasphemous by Christians.
He New York Times The New York Post called it “boring, ill-conceived and choppy” and called it a “bloated, made-for-television spectacle.”
One social media user said: ‘France It’s okay, but it’s nowhere near 2012. London Opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.
MailOnline travelled to the French capital to find out what people really thought about the controversial ceremony.
A group of young Britons wearing berets said the London 2012 opening ceremony was much better than the one in Paris.
An American couple thought the ceremony was one of the best they had ever seen. Although the woman felt that some parts went on too long.
While some did not seem impressed, others said it was “spectacular” and even the best opening ceremony they had ever seen.
A group of British boys, wearing French berets, were asked what they thought of the ceremony.
One man said it was “disappointing” and that he holds the London opening in “such high regard” that “nothing will ever top it”.
He added: “It’s ambitious to try something different but from what I’ve heard, it was difficult for viewers to get a full sense of it.”
Meanwhile, an American couple, dressed in waterproof ponchos, said they had attended opening ceremonies before, such as in Rio, and were impressed by France’s efforts.
The man said: ‘One of the best opening ceremonies I have ever seen.
An American woman said the opening ceremony was “totally worth it” even though her clothes were completely soaked
The man in the blue tracksuit is from the Congo but lives in Paris. He said that “the boats were good.”
“It wasn’t in a stadium, it was just a showcase for Paris. I mean, Paris did a great job.
‘The performance was great, especially the paraplegic’s breakdance.
“It was just touching.”
But his partner added: ‘I think the metal horse thing went on for too long.
‘The torch-passing also lasted too long.’
An American woman, wearing an American flag T-shirt and holding an American flag umbrella, said: “It was worth it. I mean, we were soaked. I don’t think our clothes will be dry before we leave.”
“But nobody left the opening ceremony. It was worth it. It was spectacular.”
Meanwhile, a man in a blue tracksuit from Paris said: “The boats were fine. I see my home team, I’m from Congo.”
“I liked the lights in the sky. It was very beautiful.”
The catwalk-turned-stage element for the opening ceremony was criticized by some Christians for appearing to be a parody of the Last Supper.
An artist painted blue and covered in flowers and fruit, representing the Greek god Dionysus, sang in French.
The official video of the Paris 2024 opening ceremony appears to have been removed from the Olympics’ account since the backlash arose.
Social media users shared a screenshot of the organization’s video, which showed a blank screen with the caption “this video is not available.”
Meanwhile, the show also doesn’t appear to be on their YouTube channel, despite there being coverage of the games before and after the ceremony.
In addition, full versions of the London 2012, Rio 2016, Beijing 2022 and even Nagano 1998 ceremonies are available.
Neither the Olympics nor Paris have given any reason for this apparent omission. Both have been contacted for comment.
Friday night was saved by the return to the stage of Céline Dion, who performed beneath the Eiffel Tower and the Olympic rings.
The 2024 opening ceremony was widely criticized, with viewers reporting poor audio due to near-torrential rain.
Performances by Lady Gaga and some 3,000 dancers, acrobats and actors were difficult to hear over the sound of the rain.
But Friday night was saved by the return to the stage of Céline Dion, who performed beneath the Eiffel Tower and the Olympic rings.
Fans were unimpressed by the unique approach to the opening ceremony, with one writing online: “Sorry but this is the worst Olympic opening ceremony I can remember.”
“It’s an interesting idea to bring athletes in on boats, but it seems silly and you don’t hear the roar of the crowd. Sorry, but it’s not for me.”
Even within France, the reception was subdued; Le Figaro said the show “was great, but some things were just too much.”