In a surprising and highly publicized move, Samsung Electronics has announced its withdrawal from a $1 billion advertising campaign with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). 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.

Samsung has been a prominent sponsor of the Olympic Games for nearly three decades. The company’s cutting-edge technology and innovative advertising campaigns have become synonymous with the global sporting event, enhancing the viewer experience with advancements such as virtual reality coverage and mobile connectivity. The partnership was not only lucrative for both parties but also symbolized a blend of athletic excellence and technological prowess.

However, the relationship has encountered turbulence with Samsung’s latest decision to pull out of the planned $1 billion advertising campaign for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This move signals a significant shift in the company’s marketing strategy and reflects broader tensions between corporate sponsors and the changing cultural landscape of major sporting events.

Samsung’s withdrawal was precipitated by a series of events during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, which featured performances and artistic displays that some viewers found controversial. 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.

The backlash was swift and vocal. Social media erupted with criticism, with many accusing the Olympics of prioritizing a “woke” agenda over the celebration of athletic achievements. Prominent figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, publicly condemned the performance, framing it as an attack on traditional values.