Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony: Aya Nakamura to make final decision
French President Macron expressed he was “shocked” by the recent “racist” comments and remarks about Franco-Malian singer Aya Nakamura’s performance at the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Nakamura has found herself embroiled in a political controversy following reports that Macron proposed the possibility of the superstar singer of “Djadja” performing at the 26 July event. French President also said that the Opening Ceremony could hold at Stade the France instead of in Seine river.
Franco-Malian singer is not alone and ‘SOS Racisme’ activists staged an “anti-racism dance” outside the National Rally (RN) party headquarters to protest Marine Le Pen’s remarks about singer Aya Nakamura potentially performing at the Olympic Games.
In response to criticism from far-right politicians and conservatives, along with racist online abuse accusing the singer of “vulgarity” and disrespect for the French language, President Macron stated weeks ago, “I think she is certainly suitable for the opening or closing ceremony of the Games.”
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Now, speaking with broadcasters BFMTV and RMC, the French president backed Nakamura, “She will be one of the performers,” Macron said while adding that the Franco-Malian singer would take the final decision.
“She is one of the great French artists, one of those who are most acclaimed around the world. But she won’t be the only one, far from it,” Macron said.
Macron condemned the comments about the singer, “The reactions have shocked me. There have been some really racist reactions,” he said.
A recent survey conducted by Elabe for BFMTV shed light on public sentiment regarding the potential participation of the singer in the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
The findings revealed that nearly half of French respondents, constituting 49 per cent, expressed reservations about the singer’s involvement, deeming it a “bad idea.” In contrast, a minority, comprising 21 per cent of respondents, viewed the idea positively, considering it a “good idea.”
