Tom Cruise made a grand entrance at the Paris Olympics closing ceremony by descending into Stade de France from the roof for the official flag handover to Los Angeles for the 2028 event. The ceremony also featured performances by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and LA mayor Karen Bass, along with acrobats and French musicians.
Although Cruise received praise for his appearance, a moment that caught everyone’s attention was when a fan, possibly an Olympian, grabbed him and kissed him as he made his way through the stadium. This incident sparked a debate online about consent and boundaries.
Many people expressed their opinions on social media, with some condemning the fan’s actions and emphasizing the importance of consent. Others questioned what would have happened if the roles were reversed.
After the unexpected kiss, Cruise continued through the stadium, shaking hands with Bass and taking the Olympic flag from her before hopping on a motorcycle for a joyride out of the stadium. A pre-recorded film showed him skydiving out of a plane and eventually landing in America, where he passed the flag to US cyclist Kate Courtney at the Hollywood sign.
Cruise later shared a photo on Instagram, expressing his gratitude to Paris before heading off to LA. Fans praised his performance at the closing ceremony, with many calling it the best part of the Olympics.
The incident involving Cruise and the fan has ignited a conversation about boundaries, consent, and respect for personal space. It serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of their status, deserves to have their boundaries respected and their consent sought before any physical interaction.
As we celebrate the achievements of athletes and stars like Tom Cruise at events like the Olympics, it’s essential to remember the importance of respecting others’ boundaries and understanding the significance of consent in all interactions.