The International Olympic Committee Will Not Allow ‘Black Lives Matter’ Apparel at the Tokyo Olympics

Outside of Hollywood, the industry that has shown prominent support for the Black Lives Matter movement has been the conglomerate of sports leagues throughout the world. Although the majority of the sports leagues are located and played in the United States of America, it has also been shown support throughout other countries.

With this year’s Olympics scheduled to take place in Tokyo, the spirit of the movement is anticipated among the various athletes and sports teams who will compete for the coveted medals from the Olympic competition. That may present a big problem, according to TMZ.

The world competition—postponed a year because of the coronavirus pandemic—will begin on Friday, July 23, 2021. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), which is the governing body of the Olympics, has stated that Tokyo Olympics athletes will NOT be allowed to wear “Black Lives Matter” apparel at any of the Games ceremonies this summer.

IOC Officials have recently confirmed that its broad policy will not allow any protests and political messages. There will also be a ban on any demonstrations on the field of play, during an official ceremony, or at the podium. There is also a ban on “Black Lives Matter” apparel being allowed during the competitions. Athletes will not be allowed to wear the clothing on the medal stand, playing field, or during the official ceremonies.

The Olympics will now BAN any athlete who wears a BLM shirt, kneels during the national anthem or raises a fist to oppose racism. This sends the WRONG message about basic human rights & I urge the Olympic Committee to reverse this decision! https://t.co/Arfbpr32UQ

— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) May 5, 2021

According to WGN, the IOC athletes’ commission stated that support to uphold Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter has come from more than two-thirds of approximately 3,500 replies from consulting athlete groups. The IOC said 70% of athletes polled do not think it’s appropriate to demonstrate during competition, and 67% said it’s not appropriate either on the medal stand.

“A very clear majority of athletes said that they think it’s not appropriate to demonstrate or express their views on the field of play, at the official ceremonies, or at the podium,” IOC Athletes’ Commission chief Kirsty Coventry had stated. “So our recommendation is to preserve the podium, field of play, and official ceremonies from any kind of protest or demonstrations or acts perceived as such.”

According to TMX, athletes will be allowed “BLM” slogans during some portions of the Games such as press conferences, interviews, and team meetings.