Olympics commentator fired for making controversial John Lennon statement

Polish broadcaster TVP gave an Olympics commentator the boot for claiming John Lennon's "Imagine" was a portrayal of communism .

This uproar came after the grand opening ceremony for the 2024 Paris Olympics , signalling the advent of the XXXIII Olympiad, unfolded on Friday. The competition has kicked off, with an opening ceremony that sparked worldwide concern for Celine Dion .

The buzz surrounding the eagerly anticipated opener was slightly marred by a fierce deluge in Paris. Despite the rain, the event captivated millions , including American viewers who tuned in to NBC, resulting in their highest ratings spike in over a decade.

• Olympics fans left stunned by swimmer's choice of trunks - 'is this legal?'
• Lady Gaga's Paris Olympics 2024 performance divides crowds as viewers complain about one aspect

Yet, Polish audiences were left puzzled as Przemysaw Babiarz made controversial comments about Lennon's tune.

As per AP's reports, the Polish state broadcaster rebuked Babiarz, an established journalist and sports commentator. During his dialogue on the Olympic ceremonies, he referred to the legendary track "Imagine" as a "vision of communism".

Come Saturday, TVP heralded its decision to sideline Babiarz from its Olympic reporting team. Though revered universally as a hymn for peace and harmony that depicts a world sans borders, possessions, or religion, Babiarz challenged this perspective.

• Celine Dion sparks concern as Olympics viewers all share same question

"This is a vision of communism, unfortunately," he declared amidst coverage of the spectacular starting ceremony on the Seine River. However, TVP didn't take kindly to his interpretation and confirmed their sanction through an official statement.

TVP has promised mutual understanding, tolerance, and reconciliation as the core of their new outlook. "Mutual understanding, tolerance, reconciliation - these are not only the basic ideas of the Olympics, they are also the foundation of the standards that guide the new Polish Television," their statement declared. "There is no consent to violate them."

• Shane Lowry leads Olympic 2024 Opening Ceremony in Paris with Sarah Lavin
• Team Ireland celebrate in ecstatic video as they join the Olympic Games Paris 2024

Paris's opening ceremony for the Olympics met with a shower of criticism, culminating in an underwhelming finale. Heavy rain, off-beat dancers, and dim pyrotechnics overshadowed by daylight made many fans feel it didn't hit the mark.

One social media user bemoaned, "This Olympics opening ceremony is so ------," Another commented, "If you are having sleep issues watch the opening ceremony of the Olympics."

The fresh attempt at staging the first-ever opening ceremony outside the stadium wasn't perhaps the best move. With the event not confined to one location, it lacked the spark seen in previous ceremonies.

Babiarz isn't alone in facing consequences for on-air comments during the Games. Over the weekend, Eurosport had to sack a commentator after remarks about female swimmers led to strong criticism.