The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) has taken the rare step of mulling over legal action against malicious comments and criticism directed at athletes participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
Yesterday, the JOC posted a message titled “Message from TEAM JAPAN,” urging people to maintain good manners when posting on social media.
The committee emphasized that every athlete gives their best to perform optimally, even in tense situations. Sometimes, they must make difficult decisions based on their physical condition before a match.
It also added that messages of encouragement and support over social media have been a great source of strength for athletes, coaches, and managers. However, they cautioned that thoughtless slander can not only be hurtful but also cause anxiety and fear.
The JOC warned, “We will consider reporting excessive comments, such as insults and threats, to the police and taking legal action.”
The Mainichi Shimbun, one of the major Japanese newspapers, pointed out that JOC’s release of such a statement is unusual.
Ayane Yanai, a Japanese racewalker, became the target of online hate after she declined to participate in the women’s 20km race walk on July 29. Her social media immediately became flooded with comments calling her “selfish.”
Similarly, after Uta Abe, a Japanese judo practitioner in the 52kg category, failed to secure a second consecutive victory on July 28 and broke down in tears, she received malicious comments. These included remarks like “As a fellow Japanese, I’m embarrassed” and “Why is she crying like a child?” among others.
Slanderous social media posts against athletes also became a topic of concern during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, as many athletes reported experiencing mental distress due to such verbal abuse. Mai Murakami, a gymnast who competed in those Olympics, shared that even though she didn’t want to see them, the negative comments would catch her eye and make her sad.
Similarly, during the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, athletes’ social media accounts were filled with aggressive posts, which sparked controversy.
As a solution, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) introduced a system at the current games that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and filter out abusive comments on athletes’ social media accounts.
For the first time, they have set up counseling spaces in the Olympic Village in Paris, providing athletes with mental health support.