The Paris 2024 Olympic Games ended amid controversy, with the Closing Ceremony criticized as “long” and “boring.” Dark visuals and unsettling music sparked a social media backlash, leaving fans divided and frustrated. Glimpse into the events that triggered this online uproar.
Paris wrapped up the Olympic Games on August 11, 2024, with a Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France, directed by Thomas Jolly, who also led the controversial Opening Ceremony in July.
Eiffel Tower pictured with the shining symbol of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on August 11, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
The event, titled “Records,” attracted over 70,000 spectators in the stadium, with millions more watching from home. Among the notable attendees were Grammy Award winner Billie Eilish and rapper Dr. Dre, who graced the stage to perform.
Here are notable figures whose presence at the Games left online users divided and some concerned as the events sparked an outrage.
The closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Stade De France on August 11, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
Online Users Question Tom Cruise’s Appearance at the Closing Ceremony
Hollywood action star Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance at the Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony, descending from the Stade de France’s roof on a wire.
Tom Cruise jumps from the roof of the Stade de France during the Closing Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on August 11, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
Known for his daring stunts in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, Cruise captivated the audience as he lowered himself into the stadium while American artist H.E.R. played guitar.
Tom Cruise during the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris on August 11, 2024 | Source: YouTube/SuspilneSport
The spectacle included a pre-recorded film showing Cruise traveling through Paris before heading to the U.S., where he reached the Hollywood sign and unfurled the Olympic colors, symbolizing the handover to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Tom Cruise holding the Olympic flag during the Closing Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on August 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
This event marked the formal farewell to Paris as this year’s host city. Alongside H.E.R.’s rendition of the U.S. national anthem, Cruise’s performance added a unique flair to the ceremony.
Tom Cruise performing his Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony routine on August 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
After receiving the Olympic flag from legendary gymnast Simone Biles, Cruise thrilled the audience by zipping away on a motorbike, leaving a lasting impression.
Simone Biles and Karen Bass turning over the Olympic flag to Tom Cruise on August 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
While Cruise’s appearance might have entertained some, other people were not happy to see him at the closing ceremony. X users questioned his presence with one writing, “Why is Tom Cruise on there?”
Tom Cruise leaving on a motorbike with the Olympic flag | Source: Getty Images
“He barely qualifies as a human being. Nasty, egotistical person in real life, no redeeming personal qualities. Acting his way thru life,” another remarked.
Tom Cruise taking a selfie during his Closing Ceremony appearance at the Paris Olympics on August 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
More people critiqued Cruise for his personal life choices as someone brought up his strained relationship with his daughter. “[…] He couldn’t be a father to Suri but he can play hero on TV. Disgusting,” wrote one user.
Another commented, “Super cheesy…I refuse to watch anything little Tom Cruise is in…he’s in a cult… why promote him as the face of 2028 Olympics?”
Simone Biles and Karen Bass watches Tom Cruise as he walks away with the Olympic flag | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, other users were more focused on Cruise’s facial appearance during his performance at the ceremony and made assumptions.
One said, “There’s just something not right with his face! Why do movie stars mess with nature, be real not fake and age with Grace it’s a much better look!”
Tom Cruise | Source: Getty Images
Someone else questioned, “Has he gained weight? That face doesn’t really look like Tom Cruise. Maybe he’s actually aging a bit. Or…stunt double?”
“Tom Cruise gives me the ick and my gosh how much filler has he shoved into his face,” one user expressed about the three-time Golden Globe Award winner.
Tom Cruise overlooking the audience during the Closing Ceremony of the Paris Olympics on August 11, 2024 | Source: YouTube/SuspilneSport
A Woman’s Enthusiastic Reaction to Tom Cruise Divides Online Users
Cruise’s appearance at the Paris Olympics isn’t the only moment that has stirred online chatter. During the closing ceremony, he found himself in an awkward situation with a spectator that quickly became a hot topic of discussion.
The incident involved an unidentified woman whose interaction with Cruise sparked a debate over whether the behavior would be deemed acceptable if the roles were reversed.
Tom Cruise among spectators | Source: Getty Images
The controversy began when a video surfaced showing the woman attempting to kiss the four-time Academy Award nominee. In the clip, Cruise is seen moving through the crowd, warmly greeting fans, when he leans in to embrace one of them, leading to the unexpected moment.
Tom Cruise among spectators during the Closing Ceremony of the Paris Olympics on August 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Soon after, the woman gets close enough to kiss him on both of his cheeks and he can be seen pulling away from her immediately. “How’d that lady almost make out with Tom Cruise on international TV? #ClosingCeremony,” the user who shared the clip captioned the post on X.
This stunt rubbed some people the wrong way as they called out the woman for forcibly trying to invade Cruise’s personal space. One commented, “Imagine if the roles were reversed…”
She was extremely inappropriate; you can’t just try to kiss a stranger. If a man had done that to a female celebrity there’d be an uproar,” penned another.
Tom Cruise and the unidentified woman who tried to kiss him | Source: YouTube/SuspilneSport
One online user concurred, writing, “Not acceptable…I shudder to think what if the roles were reversed!” More people noted the woman’s behavior was despicable. “It was rude,” said one person, while another added, “She needs to be punished!”
However, not everyone was offended by her actions and found it amusing. One said, “Legendary,” alongside a laughing emoji. Someone suggested, “Lol…she is showing love.” Another exclaimed, “She went for the Gold!! Good for her!” while one gushed, “Wow, wonderful.”
Tom Cruise and the unidentified woman kssing him on the cheek | Source: YouTube/SuspilneSport
Kate Middleton’s Video Appearance Raises Concerns Among Fans
Amid the controversies surrounding the Paris Olympics, one public figure has left online users concerned after appearing in an Instagram video.
Kate Middleton, alongside Prince William and others, congratulated Team Great Britain for their achievements ahead of the closing ceremony, sparking worry among fans.
Kate Middleton and Prince William congratulating Team Great Britain, dated August 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
Although she had a big smile on her face in the clip, people were quick to point out that she was putting up a facade. One commented, “Trying to put on a happy face but must have suffered a lot. Good luck Kate and hoping you’re near a full recovery.”
Someone else sympathized with the royal, writing, “Poor Kate, she looks far from beaming in this picture. Best wishes and good health to her.” One suggested the Princess of Wales is barely glowing as the toll of chemotherapy seems to have taken a toll on her body but wished her a speedy recovery.
“She looks painfully thin and fragile,” said one person as another shared the same sentiments. One noted, “Hope Kate continues to improve. She looks so tired and her eyes have lost their sparkle. One brave lady.”
Meanwhile, one user strongly believes that the royal, a lover of sports, would have attended the Paris Olympics if she could, adding, “I wish the Princess of Wales well.”
The Athlete Karaoke Segment That Left Viewers Confused and Bored
One of the more unusual moments of the Paris Olympics was when athletes gathered to sing together during the closing ceremony. As they entered a futuristic stage, they danced to French electro tracks, setting the tone for the evening.
After the teams made their way into the stadium, an announcement introduced the “athlete karaoke” segment, where participants were encouraged to sing along to several songs.
Nick Mead and Katie Ledecky hold their nation’s flag during the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on August 11, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
Among the selections were French hits like “Freed From Desire” by Gala and the classic “We Are the Champions” by Queen, which led to the largest sing-along of the night. However, this feat didn’t impress everyone watching at home. X users expressed their disapproval and critiqued how everything was planned.
While one online user admitted it was “boring” and disorganized, another could barely watch the whole performance. Someone else was dissatisfied with the playlist.
USA athletes enter the stadium at the closing ceremony on August 11, 2024, France, Paris. | Source: Getty Images
One individual believes the athlete karaoke was an interesting concept, adding, “I don’t think it works very well enough.” Another expressed, “I’m confused athlete karaoke no lyrics? […] Let’s not host the Olympics here again.”
“Athlete Karaoke? Because that’s what we’re here for – to hear the world’s best athletes SING,” one user wrote sarcastically. While another person shunned this idea, one was happy that Queen’s “We Are the Champions” made the playlist.
USA athletes wave to the crowd during the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on August 11, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
A Dystopian Performance Labeled an Insult by Viewers
Notably, the closing ceremony held cultural significance for France and also paid tribute to the history of the Olympic Games. During the event, a Golden Voyager symbolizing the Spirit of the Bastille descended from the top of the stadium.
This spectacle honored both the modern-day Olympics and its origins in Greece by featuring representations of Greek gods, Nike and Apollo.
The Golden Voyager performs during the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on August 11, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
However, the overall atmosphere was reportedly marred by dark visuals, eerie music, and thick smoke, which overshadowed the uplifting spirit that had defined the past 16 days of competition.
The mood felt more mysterious and unsettling than celebratory, to the point where some viewers reportedly muted their televisions to avoid the haunting voiceover and the chilling music that seemed out of place. The segment also dragged on, eventually becoming dull and monotonous.
The Golden Voyager | Source: Getty Images
Some spectators noted that the moment when the figures and dancers reassembled the Olympic rings had a “dystopian” and even “satanic” feel, echoing similar criticisms of the opening ceremony.
This tone sharply contrasted with the positive emotions typically expected from the conclusion of such a significant and inspiring global event.
The Golden Voyager and dancers | Source: Getty Images
X users shared their honest opinions about the closing ceremony with one writing, “The most boring closing ceremony of the Olympics ever.”
One noted that one performer’s act during the ceremony wasn’t entertaining, while another said the event was too long. Another bluntly stated, “[…] Did not like the end at all.”
A general view of the inside of the stadium during the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on August 11, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
While the Paris Olympics ended on a high note due to the athletes’ medal achievements, the events that took place will become a reminder of the downsides of the global sporting event.