This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
London 2012 Olympics Logo: Iran Upset With Lisa Simpson
London 2012 Olympic Logo
Iran is protesting the abstract date logo for London's 2012 Olympic Games claiming the numbers spell out the word "Zion." By contrast, we said it looked like Lisa Simpson on her knees in 2007 when it first debuted.
The head of Iran’s National Olympic Committee, Mohammad Aliabadi, has reportedly accused the British Olympic organizers of "racism" in a letter sent to the International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge, stating that “the use of the word Zion by the designer of Olympics logo in the emblem of the Olympics Games 2012 is a very revolting act,” and could “affect the participation of several countries, especially like Iran which insists on following principles and values,” reports the Jewish Journal.
Organizers say the jagged, modern design of the logo, based on the numbers in the year 2-0-1-2, is intended to capture the attention of younger generations. The complaint has been rejected by the International Olympic Committee.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
