Maria Zakharova Critiques Paris 2024 Olympic Closing Ceremony For Alleged Satanism

In a striking statement, Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, has voiced her concerns regarding the Paris 2024 Olympic closing ceremony. She criticized the event for what she perceives as religious overtones and even referred to certain aspects as “obvious satanism.” Zakharova, who has been at the helm of the press department since 2015, expressed her discontent through her Telegram channel, igniting discussions around the artistic representation during the ceremony.

Zakharova's remarks came after the closing ceremony, which took place on August 11, 2024, marking the end of the two-week sporting celebration. She pointed out that the only thing worse than the opening ceremony could be the closing, asserting that France did not miss the opportunity to make a statement that she found objectionable. Directed by Thomas Jolly, the ceremony featured elaborate performances, including a stunt by Tom Cruise.

The ceremony's standout performance, dubbed the "Golden Voyager," included a figure in golden armor who descended from the stadium, interacting with a headless angel and an astronaut. Zakharova's critique highlighted what she interpreted as a portrayal of a fallen angel turning people into zombies, a metaphor she believes reflects a deeper societal issue. She stated, “Thank you for your honesty. No veil, halftones or hints; everything is in plain text.”

The Golden Voyager performance was aimed at symbolizing the Voyager Golden Record, an artistic interpretation meant to represent humanity's diversity. However, Zakharova's interpretation has sparked a broader debate about the values celebrated during international events. The Paris 2024 Olympics organizing committee responded to her criticisms by emphasizing that the ceremony drew inspiration from various cultural references, including science fiction and historical elements.

In the context of the ongoing geopolitical tensions, Zakharova's comments reflect a wider sentiment among Russian leaders regarding their treatment in international arenas. Following the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to bar Russian athletes from competing under their national flag due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, figures like President Vladimir Putin have described the situation as ethnic discrimination. This backdrop adds layers of complexity to Zakharova's critique of the Olympic ceremonies.

While Zakharova's criticisms focus on artistic expression, they also underscore the deep-seated cultural and political divides that characterize international relations today. The Olympics, traditionally a platform for unity, now seem to be entangled in the web of political narratives, prompting a reevaluation of how art and representation are perceived on the global stage.

Overall, Maria Zakharova's remarks serve as a reminder of the challenges faced in bridging cultural differences, especially in an era where values and beliefs are often at odds. As the world continues to grapple with issues of identity, representation, and freedom of expression, the debates surrounding events like the Olympics will undoubtedly persist.