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The Made for Sharing slogan has been ridiculed by French language groups
The English slogan which reads “Made for Sharing” was emblazoned on the iconic Paris landmark the Eiffel Tower but has triggered fury among French language associations.
Three cultural associations have now taken legal action over the saying in the Administrative Court for the “serious insult to the French language” and a “violation of the constitution”.
Bernard Pivot, president of the Academie Goncourt, one of the associations bringing the challenge, roasted the organising group for Paris 2024 and called for the slogan to be withdrawn.
He described the banner as “a mistake, an absurdity”.
The campaigner added: “Paris, the capital of the francophone world is bowing to the language not only of Shakespeare but also that of Donald Trump!"
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A man wearing a Guy Fawkes mask attends a protest against police brutality after a young black man, 22-year-old youth worker named Theo, was severly injured during his arrest earlier this month in Bobigny, as people gather at a demonstration in Paris
Paris, the capital of the francophone world is bowing to the language not only of Shakespeare but also that of Donald Trump
data-ad-format="auto">Bernard Pivot
Academie Francaise, a second of the three associations calling the scrapping of the ban, said it “disapproved” the slogan.
They added: “This slogan has already been used in advertising campaigns for Quality Street candy, Cadbury Snaps and Burger King pizza.
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Paris is going up against Budapest and Los Angeles
"The Académie française unanimously expresses its disapproval at the decision of the committee to give priority to the English language to carry the Olympic bid of the city of Paris.
"The official languages of the International Olympic Committee are French and English – in that order.”
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Three language groups have filed a legal complaint
But Tony Estanguet, Paris 2024 co-chair, defended the controversial slogan.
He said: “We want to share the passion of the Games in a unique celebration in the stadiums and in the streets. Organising sharing games in a world of sharing.”
Paris is up against Los Angeles and Budapest to hold the 33rd Olympiad and a decision on the location will be made in September.
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