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Greece Sues Adidas Over Ad That Shows ‘Shoe Kicking Acropolis’

GREEK TRAGEDY

The country’s culture minister suggested that the light show above the ancient site might not have followed legal licensing procedures.

Panoramic view of the Parthenon and the Acropolis of Athens seen from a hill with the city and the sea in the background. The ancient temple and the surrounding buildings like Temple of Athena Nike, Propylaea and Erechtheion are of great architectural and historical significance, enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Acropolis is flocked with tourists and visitors from all over the world after a heatwave which resulted the monument to remain closed during the early evening hours with the high temperature. Athens, Greece on July 2024.  (Photo by Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Greece has initiated legal proceedings against Adidas after the sports brand used the Acropolis for an ad which appeared to show a giant shoe kicking the ancient site. The country’s culture minister said the gigantic flickering sneaker was created by a drone formation that hovered over the ancient citadel, in possible violation of a law designed for the protection of antiquities. “It’s like the Adidas shoe kicking the Acropolis,” Ms Lina Mendoni said on Greek radio. “A lawsuit has been already filed against anyone responsible.” Her ministry added that it is probing whether the correct licensing procedures were followed by the German brand. Footage on social media showed a light show above the site which dates back over 3,300 years. One image depicted a figure running, another showed a giant sneaker with the iconic three stripes, while a third light formation depicted an Adidas logo. The words “feel fast” were depicted in another shot, according to posts on X. The sportswear brand has been contacted for comment.

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