Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Two countries booed at Olympics opening ceremony despite stern warning

JD Vance booed at Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
  • US Vice President JD Vance endured a chorus of “boos” as US athletes began their march at the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, after Israeli athletes faced the same unwarm welcome.
  • The Independent’s Flo Clifford reported from inside San Siro stadium, ”A largely positive reception for the US contingent. There are thousands of American fans in the stadium - but very definite boos and jeers for vice president JD Vance and his wife, second lady Usha Vance, who the camera pans to waving American flags for a few brief seconds.”
  • On social media, viewers at home noted hearing the boos as well. It comes after IOC president Kirsty Coventry urged spectators to be “respectful” toward US athletes after worldwide backlash over Trump’s immigration raids and the killing of two Americans by border officers in Minnesota.
  • Vance faced a tense visit to Milan for the opening ceremony after the city’s mayor, Beppe Sala, was among those to condemn ICE, describing it as “a militia that kills.”
  • Earlier in the parade of nations, Israel’s athletes were booed as they entered the stadium. “There appears to be a security detail following closely behind the athletes,” Flo reported.
In full

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in