Roger-Luc Chayer (Photo: 20minutes.fr / Cyril Pecquenard / SIPA)
On July 23rd, the American fake news site TMZ claimed, without first seeking validation from the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, that Céline Dion would receive a $2 million fee, stating: « Céline Dion is performing at the Olympic opening ceremony… and making a fortune!!! The organizers have opened the vault for her. Our sources say she will be handsomely paid… $2 million! By the way, it’s just for ONE song! In addition to this fee, the committee is covering the travel expenses, and we are told that between jets, her large family, boats, and other expenses, they are paying a ton of money. A ridiculous amount. »
However, this is not true. When asked about these claims from obscure and unidentified sources, the COJOP 2024 responded: « The information circulating about the fees of certain artists is false. Whether they are nationally or internationally renowned, the star performers at the opening ceremony will not receive any fee for their performance. As usual, Paris 2024 will cover all technical production and performance organization costs. The organizing committee’s budget is financed by over 95% private funding, and at no time do public contributions pay for artistic performances. » It should be understood that per diems, as well as hotel, restaurant, and other expenses related to the presence of the stars, are indeed covered by the Organizing Committee.
And the Temporary Workers in the Entertainment Sector?
The temporary workers in the entertainment sector at the opening ceremony are professionals in the artistic and cultural fields whose employment is generally temporary and intermittent. They work in various roles related to the performing arts, music, film, television, theater, and other creative disciplines. They include dancers, musicians, circus performers, extras, and other artistic professions supporting the production. Temporary workers in the entertainment sector are paid according to a pre-negotiated scale and are also entitled to unemployment benefits by accumulating the required number of hours.
When the Rumor Mill Goes Haywire
However, due to TMZ, it was enough for the conspiracy theorists to ignite and direct their hatred at Céline Dion, accusing her of profiting off the backs of the world’s poor, Gaza victims, the homeless, and other economic victims around the globe. Thousands of comments attacked Céline, even though, in reality, she did not make a cent from her performance, instead bringing millions of dollars in economic and publicity benefits to the Paris Games.
This brings us back to the eternal question of universal Internet access, which unfortunately, under the guise of democratizing information, allows the publication of writings by thousands of mentally unfit individuals. It is worth noting that the Gay Globe Group supports certain restrictions on Internet access and advocates for individuals wishing to publish content, whether on web pages or social media, to obtain a basic permit that would require them to demonstrate more rigor.