
Polish Journalist Suspended After Calling ‘Imagine’ A ‘Vision Of Communism’ At Paris Olympics
Polish journalist Przemyslaw Babiarz has been suspended from the Paris Olympics after he labeled John Lennon’s song “Imagine” as a “vision of communism.” The comment was made during the opening ceremony on the Seine River, where French singer Juliette Armanet performed the song.
Babiarz’s remark, “This is a vision of communism, unfortunately,” immediately sparked backlash from viewers in Poland. The public broadcaster TVP, where Babiarz is employed, later issued a statement clarifying that he would no longer provide commentary for the Olympics. The broadcaster emphasized that the values of “mutual understanding, tolerance, and reconciliation” are fundamental to their standards.
The suspension has drawn criticism from conservative leaders in Poland, including President Andrzej Duda and former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. Morawiecki defended Babiarz on social media, stating, “The truth will defend itself! Your actions will be remembered and censorship will fail.”
Some commentators on the left also felt that the punishment was too harsh. The controversy over Babiarz’s suspension has highlighted tensions within Polish media and politics, particularly following changes made by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who replaced the former TVP management after taking office in December.