Italy cheers faith and flag in Milan after Paris’ ‘woke’ Olympic spectacle sparked culture clash, experts say

Fox News - WorldCenter-RightEN 3 min read 100% complete by Efrat LachterFebruary 17, 2026 at 05:48 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

The Paris and Milan-Cortina Olympic opening ceremonies presented contrasting visions, sparking debate about culture and politics in the Games. The Paris ceremony, held in 2024, was described as a modern, diverse, and at times controversial spectacle that reinterpreted tradition, leading to accusations of "woke ideology" and cultural insensitivity. In contrast, the Milan-Cortina Winter Games ceremony emphasized Italian heritage, national pride, and tradition. Experts suggest these differing approaches reflect the political ideologies of French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The ceremonies highlight the Olympics as a stage for nations to project their identities and values, reflecting a broader cultural and political divide in Europe.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Fox News Digital ×240% Henry Jackson Society 40% Emma Schubart 50% Hugh Dugan ×260% Milan-Cortina ×270% Giorgia Meloni ×270% Emmanuel Macron ×280% France ×380% Paris ×490% Italy ×290%

Keywords

olympic games 100% culture war 90% national pride 80% tradition 80% paris olympics 70% milan-cortina 70% cultural politics 60% woke ideology 60% emmanuel macron 50% giorgia meloni 50%