Fact Check: Did Samsung drop their $1 billion advertising campaign with The Olympics over Last Supper backlash? Viral post debunked
Modified Jul 29, 2024 14:01 GMT
Following the backlash the 2024 Paris Olympics received over an apparent mock-representation of Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, an article claimed that Samsung Electronics had pulled out of its $1 billion advertising deal with the event.
Esspots, the website that published the story on July 28, 2024, explained the supposed reason for the company's alleged move:
"The decision comes in response to what the company describes as the Olympics’ increasingly “woke” agenda, a stance that has stirred significant debate within both corporate and sporting worlds."
Esspots alleged that the company’s decision was prompted by the controversial bit of the Olympics opening ceremony:
"A segment involving drag queens and dancers in a scene that resembled Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper" sparked outrage among conservative audiences and religious groups."
However, Esspots' claim is not true. Samsung is not withdrawing its partnership with the Olympics. No official announcement regarding the same has been issued by the company.
A quick look at the Disclaimer on Esspots' website further proves the inauthenticity of the article. The website, a subsidiary of SpaceXMania.com, publishes fabricated stories that are satirical in nature and are not real. Under the "About Us" section, Esspots clarified:
"Our team of writers and editors is dedicated to bringing you the latest and greatest in fake news and absurdity, all with a healthy dose of humor and satire."
Article alleging Samsung's withdrawal from the Paris Olympics is debunked
Criticism flooded the internet after drag performers took centre stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics during Friday's opening ceremony to enact a scene from Greek God Dionysus' feast.
However, the portrayal was interpreted by many as an attempt to ridicule the imagery of Jesus Christ having his final meal next to his apostles before his Crucifixion was executed.
After the public criticism, Esspots' article about Samsung might have seemed convincing to many readers. The website claimed that the South Korea-based company has issued a detailed statement, allegedly holding the Olympics’ shift from its essence accountable for the supposedly canceled deal. In the purported statement, the electronic brand noted:
"Recent events have highlighted a shift in focus that no longer aligns with our company’s mission and values. We believe that the Olympics should remain a celebration of athletic prowess and global unity, not a platform for divisive cultural agendas."
However, the esteemed electronics brand hasn't broken its deal with the Olympics.
Rather, an article published on the same day by Samsung Newsroom detailed the expanse of the brand's contribution to the event. According to the news article, the company helped athletes live stream their performance by handing out over 200 Galaxy S24 Ultra models.
The smartphones provided fans with a more distinct view of the games and celebration. Athletes also captured snippets from their experience on the Olympic edition of Galaxy Z Flip 6 smartphones and shared the moments with fans.
The article further highlighted Samsung's collaboration with Olympic Broadcasting Services and the International Olympic Committee.
In reality, the US-based telecom company C Spire pulled its advertisement from the event over the Last Supper backlash. The company tweeted:
"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 from the Olympics."
The performance in question was widely critiqued as an “anti-Christian” display by right-wing politicians.
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