The Paris 2024 Olympic Games organizing committee has issued a formal apology following widespread criticism of the opening ceremony’s artistic representation, which many interpreted as a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’. The controversial scene featured drag queens, a transgender model, and a nude singer portraying Dionysus, sparking outrage among various religious groups and conservative politicians worldwide.Anne Descamps, the communication director for Paris 2024, stated, ‘Clearly there was never intention to show disrespect to any religious group. On the contrary, we intended to show tolerance and community. If people have taken any offence then we are sorry’. The organizers emphasized that the ceremony aimed to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the values of the French Republic.Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the ceremony, has denied any intentional reference to ‘The Last Supper’. He claims the scene was inspired by Giovanni Bellini’s ‘Feast of the Gods’, not da Vinci’s work. Jolly explained, ‘The idea was to create a great pagan festival linked to the gods of Olympus… Olympus, Olympus, Olympic spirit…’.Despite the apology, the controversy continues to draw criticism. The French Catholic Bishops’ Conference condemned the ceremony as ‘scandalous scenes’ that ridiculed Christianity. Some international religious leaders, including the Archbishop of Malta, Charles Scicluna, expressed disappointment, calling it ‘unjustified disrespect’.The incident has also had political repercussions, with some conservative politicians in various countries voicing their disapproval. Italian Vice-Prime Minister Matteo Salvini and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk were among those who criticized the ceremony.Despite the controversy, a poll commissioned by Paris 2024 showed that French people were overwhelmingly positive about the ceremony, with 86% deeming it a success. However, the incident has raised questions about the balance between artistic expression and cultural sensitivity in international events like the Olympics.
Key points
- Paris 2024 Olympic organizers apologized for a controversial scene in the opening ceremony that many interpreted as a parody of ‘The Last Supper’.
- Artistic director Thomas Jolly claims the scene was inspired by Bellini’s ‘Feast of the Gods’, not da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’.
- The controversy has sparked criticism from religious groups and conservative politicians worldwide, despite the organizers’ intention to celebrate diversity and tolerance.
- A poll shows 86% of French people viewed the ceremony positively, despite the international controversy.
Contradictions👾While organizers claim no intention to disrespect religious groups, many religious leaders and conservative politicians interpret the scene as mockery of Christianity.
👾The artistic director denies inspiration from ‘The Last Supper’, but the visual similarity led many viewers to make that connection.
