The coverage of the Olympics has sparked considerable attention in Italy, where international broadcasts have encountered criticism for displaying a censored image of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous artwork, the Vitruvian Man. In the televised introduction of the Olympics, the artwork is shown, but the image has been altered to obscure the nudity of the male figure, specifically censoring the genitalia. This modification has garnered attention not just in Italy, but it was also observed in Finland's coverage by Yle, which featured the same opening sequence.

The controversy has reached the Italian political arena, as the Democratic Party has raised questions about the appropriateness of the state broadcaster, Radiotelevisione italiana (Rai), using a modified version of a well-known art piece. Critics argue that such censorship undermines the integrity of cultural works and raises broader questions about artistic freedom and expression in media. The leftist Five Star Movement has also criticized the rationale behind the censorship, suggesting that it limits the educational value of showcasing classical art in a modern context.

This debate mirrors larger conversations around censorship and artistic representation, as the intersection of art and media continues to challenge perceptions in society. It illustrates how cultural interpretations influence political dialogues, and how decisions made by broadcasters can ignite significant public discourse, particularly regarding longstanding artistic legacies and their portrayal in contemporary formats.