The Paris 2024 organizers faced backlash from Catholic and Christian groups over a controversial tableau in the Olympic Games opening ceremony, which appeared to ridicule Leonardo da Vinci’s revered painting, ‘The Last Supper’. In response, they offered a sincere apology on Sunday.
The ceremony included a provocative segment that reimagined the Last Supper, featuring drag queens, a transgender model, and a naked singer portraying Dionysus, amidst a setting reminiscent of Jesus Christ’s last meal with his apostles. This unconventional performance drew sharp criticism from the Catholic Church and conservative circles in America.
Clearly, there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. (The opening ceremony) tried to celebrate community tolerance,” Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps told a press conference.
“We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offence we are really sorry.”
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The International Olympic Committee acknowledged Paris 2024’s explanation regarding the controversial segment in the opening ceremony, indicating that they have taken the organizers’ clarification into consideration.”
According to Thomas Jolly, the artistic director behind the ceremony, the scene in question was actually a depiction of a pagan festival celebrating the Olympian gods, and not, as some assumed, a modern take on Leonardo da Vinci’s famous ‘Last Supper’ painting.
France, with its deep-rooted Catholic history, also boasts a strong tradition of secularism and anti-clericalism, where blasphemy is not only permitted but also widely regarded as a fundamental aspect of free expression, highlighting the country’s commitment to unfettered speech and ideas.
Some characters involved in the tableau have expressed disappointment over Paris 2024’s apology, contending that acknowledging wrongdoing implies harm was inflicted, when in fact, they believe no offense was committed.
What bothers people isn’t that we’re reproducing this painting,” Bardin continued, “what bothers people is that queer people are reproducing it.” One of the actors, Hugo Bardin pointed.
However, the Catholic church in France said it deplored a ceremony that “included scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity”.
Social media reactions to the opening ceremony have been divided, with Christians, particularly Catholics, expressing discomfort over the content. However, historians have pointed out that if one applies strict Christian standards to the historical origins of these events, Christians should not participate in the Olympics or World Cup, as some have roots in idolatry and satanic rituals. On the other hand, some people see the tableau as a stunning blend of Greek and French heritage, celebrating the intersection of cultures.
