The torchbearers for the 2024 Olympics stand out in an odd selection: non-athletes who will carry the Olympic torch in France.
Among those selected were actress Salma Hayek, who will carry the torch alongside singer Patrick Bruel, and French football coach Didier Deschamps.
Iconic rapper Snoop Dogg was another non-athlete choice, his partners being model Laetitia Casta and fellow lyricist MC Solar.
“I don’t think this is a good way to represent France to the world.”
Perhaps the most unusual torchbearer was Mini MajesteA 33-year-old Frenchman named Arthur Reynaud.
The performer was chosen by the city to carry the Olympic torch to the capital, but despite the backlash, Paris’ Socialist mayor defended the decision.
“I reiterate my full support for her,” Socialist Rep. Anne Hidalgo said.
“Again, I am proud and, yes, Paris is proud that drag queens stand for values of peace and humanity,” she added. France 24.
It is unclear whether Raynaud truly believes she is a woman. Plenty of photos There are records that he appeared as a man when not in costume, but the mayor referred to him as “she.”
The city claims the man was the victim of “homophobic and transphobic insults” and said it would help launch a legal campaign, though the legal basis for the lawsuit was unclear.
Marion Maréchal, a member of the European Parliament, reportedly said the drag queen was taking part in a “particularly vulgar” and “overly sexualised performance”.
“I don’t think this is a good way to represent France to the world,” she said.
Mr Maréchal is an independent member of the European Conservatives and Reformists Party.
“One of the messages I want to get across is pride in my community, because 10 years ago it would have been unimaginable that a drag queen would be carrying the torch,” the drag queen said.
While using celebrities is clearly an attempt to attract viewership, the Olympics are also challenging traditional norms and experimenting with new approaches to broadcasting.
For the first time ever, the Opening Ceremonies will be held outside the stadium, and Snoop Dogg is one of a host of celebrities providing broadcast support for select events. Other guests include singer Kelly Clarkson, late-night show host Jimmy Fallon and former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning.
And a few months before the Olympics, NBC announced that parents of Olympic athletes would wear five heart-rate monitors while watching their children compete, with the data displayed on screen. The network claimed that test audiences liked the idea.
For its streaming service Peacock, NBCU is hoping to attract younger viewers by featuring popular podcast hosts. Alex Cooper Host a live, interactive viewing party series.
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