The Paris 2024 Olympic Games organizing committee continues to face backlash over its controversial opening ceremony, which featured a scene many interpreted as a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’. The performance, which included drag queens, a transgender model, and an actor portraying the Greek god Dionysus, has drawn criticism from religious groups and conservative politicians worldwide.Anne Descamps, the communication director for Paris 2024, reiterated the organizers’ apology, stating, ‘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 International Olympic Committee (IOC) has also welcomed this clarification and echoed the apology.The controversy has expanded beyond initial reactions, with international religious organizations joining the chorus of disapproval. The Middle East Council of Churches and Egypt’s Al-Azhar have condemned what they perceive as mockery of Jesus Christ. In response to the outcry, some companies, including telecommunications firm C Spire, have withdrawn their advertisements from the Olympics.Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the ceremony, continues to defend the performance, denying any intentional reference to ‘The Last Supper’. Jolly explained to the Associated Press, ‘My desire is not to be subversive, nor to shock or provoke. Above all, I wanted to send a message of love, a message of inclusion and not of division’. He maintains that the scene was inspired by pagan festivals and aimed to celebrate culinary art and diversity.Despite the controversy, the ceremony has received praise from many commentators for its message of tolerance. However, the incident has sparked calls for boycotts on social media and raised questions about the balance between artistic expression and cultural sensitivity in international events like the Olympics.The controversy has also highlighted some technical issues during the ceremony, including a mistake in introducing the South Korean delegation as North Korea, adding to the challenges faced by the Paris 2024 organizers.
Key points
- Paris 2024 Olympic organizers have issued multiple apologies for the opening ceremony’s controversial ‘Last Supper’ scene.
- The controversy has expanded to include international religious organizations and led to some advertisers withdrawing support.
- Artistic director Thomas Jolly defends the performance, stating it was meant to promote inclusion and diversity, not to offend.
Contradictions👾While organizers claim the scene was not intended to reference ‘The Last Supper’, many viewers and critics have interpreted it as such.
👾Despite the controversy, some reports indicate that the ceremony was widely praised in France, while others mention calls for boycotts on social media.
