Brazil's interim president skips Rio Opening Ceremony introduction, reportedly out of fear of boos

By Fusion Staff  |  August 6, 2016 | 3:21am
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Brazil’s interim president Michel Temer was not officially introduced at the Olympic Ceremony on Friday night, breaking with protocol apparently due to reports that he would be booed.

The program guide had said that Temer would be introduced at the start of the games, as per tradition. Although he was seated to the left of International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, who was introduced to mild applause, Temer skipped the formal introduction and opted to simply take the microphone at the end of the ceremony. It went about well as he thought it would: The crowd booed him.

Temer assumed the office of the presidency in May, when President Dilma Rousseff, who has been suspended while the Senate decides whether to bring impeachment charges against her. She has said Temer has conspired a coup against her.

Despite only taking office in May, Temer has been blamed for the turmoil leading up to the Olympic games. On Friday, thousands marched in Copacabana against Temer and the games. According to Forbes, Temer himself made the decision not to be introduced at the Opening Ceremony.

Temer’s no-show is just the latest for the Opening Ceremony. Brazilian soccer legend Pelé dropped out of the Opening Ceremony due to health problems.

But at least one Brazilian superstar came: Gisele Bündchen walked the catwalk one last time in her home country to the tune of “The Girl From Ipanema.”

 
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