Samsung Did Not Pull 1 Billion Advertising Campaign for Paris Olympics 2024
The Claim
Samsung Withdraws $1 Billion Sponsorship from Paris Olympics.
News posted on
Emerging story
Recently, social media users have been circulating a claim alleging that Samsung has withdrawn its $1 billion sponsorship from the Paris Olympics 2024. A Facebook account called “The Patriots Network” shared a photo with this claim, which has garnered around 80,000 reactions.
This claim has also gone viral on the X platform, where an account called “BlackBetty” shared it.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating claim and found it to be fake.
Misbar's team found no official statement from either confirming the withdrawal of funding.
SpaceX Mania Claims Samsung Withdraws Ads Over Paris 2024 Controversy
On July 29, the SpaceX Mania website published an article about this claim, alleging that Samsung withdrew its advertising campaign due to “the controversial performance during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The ceremony featured drag queens and dancers in a segment that some viewers felt resembled Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper.’ This performance drew immediate backlash from conservative audiences and religious groups.”
SpaceX Mania defines itself as a fake news and satire website.
Samsung's partnership with the Olympic Games began 30 years ago as a sponsor for the Seoul 1988 Olympics. The company has recently extended its sponsorship contract with the International Olympic Committee by eight years, ensuring its status as a top sponsor until the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
On July 18, Samsung announced plans to enhance the Paris 2024 viewing experience with seamless 5G connectivity, in collaboration with the IOC and OBS.
C Spire Announces Pulling Ads for Paris Olympics 2024
On July 27, C Spire, a tech and telecommunications company based in Ridgeland, Mississippi, officially announced its withdrawal of sponsorship. In a post on X, the company stated, "We were shocked by the mockery of the Last Supper during the opening ceremonies of the Paris Olympics. C Spire will be pulling our advertising."
Backlash Over Last Supper Depiction
An act performed during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on Friday drew condemnation from church groups and conservative politicians for resembling Leonardo da Vinci's depiction of a biblical scene in The Last Supper, which some considered a mockery of Christianity.
The Last Supper is a mural painting by the Italian High Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, dated c. 1495-1498, and housed in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. It represents the final meal shared by Christ and his disciples.
The French Bishops' Conference, representing the nation's Catholic bishops, stated in a comment that the opening ceremony featured "scenes of mockery and derision of Christianity."
On July 21, Anne Descamps, the Paris 2024 spokesperson, said at the daily news conference, “If people have taken any offense, we are, of course, truly sorry.”
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