- Online users criticized and questioned the decision to have Snoop Dogg carry the torch at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
- Reflecting on the honor, the celebrity shared his thoughts on why he was chosen, while also paying tribute to a late American icon who had participated in the event before.
- Snoop Dogg’s presence at the Olympics was more than just a celebrity appearance; he expressed his deep love for sports and the reasons behind his passion.
American rapper Snoop Dogg surprised many as a torchbearer for the 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony. While some expressed disapproval of his participation, the star shared his perspective on why he was selected for the honor.
The 2024 Olympic Games kicked off on July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. The event officially launched with over 10,000 athletes gathering on boats on the River Seine for the opening ceremony.
Ahead of the much-anticipated international sporting event, it was announced that a renowned hip-hop icon would carry the Olympic torch on its last leg.
The musician fulfilled his duty by marking the 67th leg of the torch’s journey before the Eiffel Tower. He was joined by fellow entertainers including, French rapper, MC Solaar, and French actress, Laetitia Casta.
While carrying the Olympic torch which was aflame, Snoop Dogg danced around and waved to onlookers. He also showed a thumbs up with a big smile on his face while his song “The Next Episode” featuring Dr. Dre, played in the background.
Snoop Dogg holds the torch as part of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Torch Relay on July 26, 2024, in Saint-Denis in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
Interestingly, the decision to have Snoop Dogg as the torch bearer through the streets of Saint-Denis, a suburb north of Paris, caused quite a stir.
Many online users questioned why he was chosen among the many athletes who could have done the honors. Others were left confused and slammed the decision, deeming it degrading.
Snoop Dogg as a torch bearer for the 2024 Paris Olympics, dated July 26, 2024 | Source: Instagram/paris2024
People expressed their frustration regarding the record producer’s participation with one writing, “Why is he there? The bar keeps getting lower and lower.”
Snoop Dogg as a torch bearer for the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: YouTube/PageSix
“This is the best we could do??” remarked another. Someone else penned, “Why? How come every cultural institution has devolved into a joke these days?”
Snoop Dogg as a torch bearer for the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: YouTube/PageSix
One said Snoop Dogg was an unexpected choice, “Well, there’s the last person I thought I would see carrying the torch in France. Why not use French citizens and athletes?”
Another online user concurred, adding that there were many other suitable candidates who could have done the job, “There are lots of people who dedicate their life to sport and help underprivileged children and families and they chose him.”
Snoop Dogg carries the torch during the torch relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics on July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
Before the commencement of the athletic event, Snoop Dogg prepared well in advance. He reportedly arrived in Paris ten days ahead of the opening ceremony and met up with athletes and their families.
Snoop Dogg holds the torch as part of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Torch Relay on July 26, 2024, in Saint-Denis in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
Not only did he get to know them better by listening to their backstories, but he also visited practice facilities to meet various teams. This includes fencing, basketball, judo, and weightlifting teams.
Of his involvement in the international multi-sport event, the actor, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, proudly expressed that he wanted to show why he was chosen to carry the torch.
Snoop Dogg attends the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Qualification on July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
“I’m going to show you why they made me the man to do it. I’m going to put all of my resources and energy around it with peace, love, and harmony. That’s what the Olympics is all about. I feel like that’s why they chose me. That’s what I represent,” he said.
“This is my own version of it. I don’t want to get too emotional, but I know this is special,” the award-winning rapper further stated. When Snoop Dogg agreed to become an Olympic torch bearer, he reminisced on a memorable moment of watching a beloved world-famous individual doing the honors.
America’s decorated professional boxer, Muhammad Ali, lit the cauldron at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Because of that fond memory, the “Drop It Like It’s Hot” hitmaker hoped to recreate that same moment for the global audience at the Paris Olympics.
“It was emotional for all of us to see the champ holding that torch and walking up there,” said the “Day Shift” star about the late Ali who died in June 2016. It was a surprising moment for those watching the sporting event including the hosts at the time.
Muhammad Ali carries the Olympic Flame during the Opening Ceremony of the XXVI Summer Olympic Games on July 19, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia. | Source: Getty Images
Renowned sportscaster Bob Costas recounted the powerful moment when Ali, who had battled Parkinson’s disease for over three decades, unexpectedly lit the Olympic cauldron.
“It was a complete surprise for everyone in the stadium and everyone watching at home. And it was also a surprise to me and [fellow cohost] Dick Enberg,” he remembered in 2021.
