Eiffel Tower pictured with the shining symbol of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on August 11, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
The event, titled "Records," attracted over 70,000 spectators in the stadium, with millions more watching from home. Among the notable attendees were Grammy Award winner Billie Eilish and rapper Dr. Dre, who graced the stage to perform.
Here are notable figures whose presence at the Games left online users divided and some concerned as the events sparked an outrage.
The closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Stade De France on August 11, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
Online Users Question Tom Cruise's Appearance at the Closing Ceremony
Hollywood action star Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance at the Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony, descending from the Stade de France's roof on a wire.
Tom Cruise jumps from the roof of the Stade de France during the Closing Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on August 11, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
Known for his daring stunts in the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, Cruise captivated the audience as he lowered himself into the stadium while American artist H.E.R. played guitar.
Tom Cruise during the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris on August 11, 2024 | Source: YouTube/SuspilneSport
The spectacle included a pre-recorded film showing Cruise traveling through Paris before heading to the U.S., where he reached the Hollywood sign and unfurled the Olympic colors, symbolizing the handover to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Tom Cruise holding the Olympic flag during the Closing Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on August 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
This event marked the formal farewell to Paris as this year’s host city. Alongside H.E.R.’s rendition of the U.S. national anthem, Cruise's performance added a unique flair to the ceremony.
Tom Cruise performing his Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony routine on August 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
After receiving the Olympic flag from legendary gymnast Simone Biles, Cruise thrilled the audience by zipping away on a motorbike, leaving a lasting impression.
Simone Biles and Karen Bass turning over the Olympic flag to Tom Cruise on August 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
While Cruise's appearance might have entertained some, other people were not happy to see him at the closing ceremony. X users questioned his presence with one writing, "Why is Tom Cruise on there?"
Tom Cruise leaving on a motorbike with the Olympic flag | Source: Getty Images
"He barely qualifies as a human being. Nasty, egotistical person in real life, no redeeming personal qualities. Acting his way thru life," another remarked.
Tom Cruise taking a selfie during his Closing Ceremony appearance at the Paris Olympics on August 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
More people critiqued Cruise for his personal life choices as someone brought up his strained relationship with his daughter. "[...] He couldn't be a father to Suri but he can play hero on TV. Disgusting," wrote one user.
Another commented, "Super cheesy...I refuse to watch anything little Tom Cruise is in...he's in a cult... why promote him as the face of 2028 Olympics?"
Simone Biles and Karen Bass watches Tom Cruise as he walks away with the Olympic flag | Source: Getty Images
One said, "There's just something not right with his face! Why do movie stars mess with nature, be real not fake and age with Grace it's a much better look!"
Tom Cruise | Source: Getty Images
Someone else questioned, "Has he gained weight? That face doesn't really look like Tom Cruise. Maybe he's actually aging a bit. Or...stunt double?"
"Tom Cruise gives me the ick and my gosh how much filler has he shoved into his face," one user expressed about the three-time Golden Globe Award winner.
Tom Cruise overlooking the audience during the Closing Ceremony of the Paris Olympics on August 11, 2024 | Source: YouTube/SuspilneSport
A Woman's Enthusiastic Reaction to Tom Cruise Divides Online Users
Cruise's appearance at the Paris Olympics isn't the only moment that has stirred online chatter. During the closing ceremony, he found himself in an awkward situation with a spectator that quickly became a hot topic of discussion.
The incident involved an unidentified woman whose interaction with Cruise sparked a debate over whether the behavior would be deemed acceptable if the roles were reversed.
Tom Cruise among spectators | Source: Getty Images
The controversy began when a video surfaced showing the woman attempting to kiss the four-time Academy Award nominee. In the clip, Cruise is seen moving through the crowd, warmly greeting fans, when he leans in to embrace one of them, leading to the unexpected moment.
Tom Cruise among spectators during the Closing Ceremony of the Paris Olympics on August 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Soon after, the woman gets close enough to kiss him on both of his cheeks and he can be seen pulling away from her immediately. "How'd that lady almost make out with Tom Cruise on international TV? #ClosingCeremony," the user who shared the clip captioned the post on X.
This stunt rubbed some people the wrong way as they called out the woman for forcibly trying to invade Cruise's personal space. One commented, "Imagine if the roles were reversed..."
She was extremely inappropriate; you can't just try to kiss a stranger. If a man had done that to a female celebrity there'd be an uproar," penned another.
Tom Cruise and the unidentified woman who tried to kiss him | Source: YouTube/SuspilneSport
One online user concurred, writing, "Not acceptable...I shudder to think what if the roles were reversed!" More people noted the woman's behavior was despicable. "It was rude," said one person, while another added, "She needs to be punished!"
However, not everyone was offended by her actions and found it amusing. One said, "Legendary," alongside a laughing emoji. Someone suggested, "Lol...she is showing love." Another exclaimed, "She went for the Gold!! Good for her!" while one gushed, "Wow, wonderful."
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Tom Cruise and the unidentified woman kssing him on the cheek | Source: YouTube/SuspilneSpor
Kate Middleton's Video Appearance Raises Concerns Among Fans
Amid the controversies surrounding the Paris Olympics, one public figure has left online users concerned after appearing in an Instagram video.
Kate Middleton, alongside Prince William and others, congratulated Team Great Britain for their achievements ahead of the closing ceremony, sparking worry among fans.
Kate Middleton and Prince William congratulating Team Great Britain, dated August 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
Although she had a big smile on her face in the clip, people were quick to point out that she was putting up a facade. One commented, "Trying to put on a happy face but must have suffered a lot. Good luck Kate and hoping you're near a full recovery."
Someone else sympathized with the royal, writing, "Poor Kate, she looks far from beaming in this picture. Best wishes and good health to her." One suggested the Princess of Wales is barely glowing as the toll of chemotherapy seems to have taken a toll on her body but wished her a speedy recovery.
