Greece Files Lawsuit Against Adidas Over Unapproved Acropolis Drone Show

Greece has launched legal action against Adidas following a drone show advertising the brand near the Acropolis, which featured illuminated images of Adidas logos and a shoe seemingly positioned on the iconic landmark. The Culture Ministry condemned the event as a violation of strict archaeological protection laws, emphasizing that the display occurred without the necessary approval and likening it to disrespecting a symbol of Greek heritage. While Adidas and the Civil Aviation Authority maintain that the drone show was fully permitted and confined to the Zappeion Hall area, the ministry and opposition parties argue that the event commodified a UNESCO World Heritage site and raised concerns about the permitting process. An urgent investigation has been initiated to determine whether licensing procedures were properly followed, with the Culture Ministry filing a formal complaint and the prosecutor's office examining potential legal breaches. The controversy highlights tensions between commercial use and cultural preservation, as the ministry recently rejected a filmmaker’s request to shoot at the Acropolis, underscoring inconsistent application of heritage protections. The dispute has sparked public outrage and calls for stricter safeguards on the use of Greece’s archaeological sites.