NFL's French National Anthem Performer Nina Tonji Alters Words to La Marseillaise, Sparking Outrage in France
Nina Tonji changed "impure" to "united" in La Marseillaise before the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints game amid immigration unrest.
TL;DR
- Singer Nina Tonji modified the lyrics of France's national anthem, La Marseillaise, before an NFL game.
- The original lyric "Qu'un sang impur abreuve nos sillons!" (May impure blood water our furrows!) was changed to "Qu'un sang uni abreuve nos sillons!" (May united blood water our furrows!).
- The alteration shifted the song's meaning from one of exclusion of enemies to a message of unity with foreigners.
- The change occurred amidst civil unrest in France, with some protesters being immigrants.
- The modification led to significant online backlash, with critics calling the performance "scandalous" and "disrespectful."
- Media accounts with large followings highlighted the lyrical changes, contributing to the controversy.
- The article suggests the NFL should enforce contracts requiring artists to perform songs as written to avoid such public relations issues.