The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, held on July 26 along the Seine River, has ignited a firestorm of controversy due to its provocative content, particularly a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ featuring drag queens and LGBTQ+ performers. The ceremony, directed by Thomas Jolly, aimed to celebrate French culture, diversity, and inclusivity, but has been met with strong criticism from religious leaders, conservative politicians, and some members of the public.The French Catholic Church, along with bishops from other countries, condemned the event as mockery of Christianity. The French Bishops’ Conference expressed ‘deep regret’ over what they called ‘scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity’. Similar sentiments were echoed by conservative politicians across Europe, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán describing the ceremony as ‘sacrilegious’ and ‘satanic’.Defenders of the ceremony, including French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, praised it as a ‘masterpiece’ and a celebration of French culture. Thomas Jolly, the artistic director, emphasized that the intention was to showcase France’s values of tolerance and freedom, stating, ‘In France, people are free to love whoever they want, free to believe or not believe’.The controversy has extended beyond religious concerns, with some critics labeling the event as ‘woke’ and overly political. The ceremony also featured performances by Lady Gaga and Celine Dion, returning to the stage after a four-year hiatus. Despite the backlash, the event was praised by French media and the International Olympic Committee, with an estimated 100,000 spectators watching from the riverbanks.This incident has sparked a broader debate about the role of politics, religion, and cultural sensitivity in international sporting events. As the Olympics continue, the controversy surrounding the opening ceremony is likely to fuel ongoing discussions about the balance between artistic expression and respect for diverse beliefs and traditions.
Key points
- The Paris Olympics opening ceremony featured a controversial parody of ‘The Last Supper’ with drag queens, sparking outrage from religious and conservative groups.
- The French Catholic Church and conservative politicians across Europe condemned the ceremony as mockery of Christianity.
- Defenders, including the French Prime Minister, praised the ceremony as a celebration of French culture and values.
- The controversy has ignited a broader debate about the balance between artistic expression and cultural sensitivity in international events.
Contradictions👾While some sources report widespread outrage, others mention mixed reviews and praise from French media.
The exact public reception seems to vary across different reports.
