The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is facing backlash for selling a T-shirt commemorating the 1936 Berlin Olympics, which a German politician has referred to as "Nazi propaganda." This criticism comes amidst global concerns over the legacy of the Nazi regime, which exploited the Games for propaganda purposes, including innovative practices like the Olympic torch relay and the introduction of television broadcasts. The contentious sale of this merchandise raises questions about the IOC's sensitivity and understanding of historical contexts surrounding the events of that era.

Klara Schedlich, a Berlin state lawmaker from the Alliance 90/The Greens party, voiced her outrage on social media, emphasizing that the IOC's decision to market this item demonstrates a concerning lack of historical awareness. She expressed her indignation that the IOC would want to celebrate a regime that was responsible for such atrocities. Schedlich's comments reflect a broader sentiment among many in Germany and elsewhere who believe that recognizing such historical events requires a thoughtful approach, rather than commodification.

This controversy comes at a time when Berlin is in the running to bid for the upcoming Olympic Games, marking the centenary of the 1923 Olympics. Schedlich's remarks highlight the tension between the desire to celebrate the Olympics' history and the need to confront the darker chapters of that history, particularly concerning the 1936 Games under Nazi rule. The IOC’s merchandising strategies, particularly those tied to such a politically and historically charged context, are under scrutiny for their implications on public perception and historical accountability.