Scandals and controversies have plagued previous Olympics, of course, ranging from the benign, like a torch not lighting during the 2010 Games opening ceremony in Vancouver, to the political, such as the 1980 Games held in Moscow that were boycotted by 65 countries over the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan.
But Paris is off to a fast start.
Here are the moments that already have not gone according to plan:
— The four-hour opening ceremony showcased the best of French culture, including its vibrant LGBTQ+ community in a drag show that featured winners from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and a performance by Lady Gaga. Part of the performance included the drag queens in a sketch that resembled Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” mural of Jesus Christ and his disciples, prompting a swift response from Catholic leaders decrying the display.
— In a major diplomatic mix-up, South Korea’s athletes were introduced as coming from North Korea during the opening ceremony. The Olympic Committee president apologized to Seoul, calling the mistake “very regrettable.” It’s not the first time Olympic officials have confused the two countries. During the 2012 London Olympics, organizers displayed the South Korean flag ahead of a women’s football match between North Korea and Colombia, delaying the game for more than an hour.
— The last misstep during the opening ceremony — at least that people have so far flagged — came in the final minute when members of the French military unfurled the Olympic flag … upside down.
