Janice R. Andrews
July 29, 2024, Paris – Following backlash from Christian groups throughout the globe over a contentious opening ceremony sequence that made comparisons to “The Last Supper,” the organizers of the Paris Olympics have apologized.
The controversial event took place on Friday at the Debilly Bridge over the Seine, when drag queens approached French DJ and activist Barbara Butch, who was wearing a dazzling blue outfit and silver headgear. The scene intensified when a practically nude man—depicted in blue as the Greek god of wine and celebration, Dionysus—appeared on a dinner plate in the middle of a feast. Reaction to this depiction was fast, with many viewers seeing it as a parody of the famous artwork by Leonardo da Vinci that shows Jesus Christ having his final dinner with his apostles.
Globally, criticism grew from a number of Christian and Catholic groups. The portrayal was denounced by the French Bishops’ Conference as “mockery and derision of Christianity,” and Bishop Robert Barron of Minnesota called it a disrespectful act against a pivotal period in Christian history. Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson had similar views, calling the episode “shocking and insulting” to Christians.
At a briefing at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) event, Thomas Jolly, the creative director of the opening ceremony, defended the segment’s purpose in reaction to the outrage, saying that it was not intended to offend or make fun of any one faith group. To emphasize the ridiculousness of human aggression, the official Olympic social media account revealed that the blue image represented Dionysus.
Speaking on the French television network BFMTV, Jolly reiterated that the segment’s goal was to honor pagan customs associated with the gods of Olympus and stressed that “The Last Supper” was not its inspiration. He apologized for any harm he may have caused and reiterated his support for tolerance and diversity.
Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps formally apologized on Sunday, stating that disrespecting any religious belief was never the goal. She admitted that although the event was meant to honor tolerance and community, some viewers may have taken offense. The IOC accepted the apology and praised Paris 2024’s efforts to address the issues brought up by the contentious portion.
Telecommunications company C Spire responded to the episode by announcing the removal of all advertising from the Olympics, notwithstanding the apologies, indicating the negative business effects of the scandal.
The incident highlights the difficult balancing act that event planners must perform in order to create joyful, inclusive gatherings that also honor the sensitivities of many ethnic and religious groups. The aftermath of this dispute serves as a reminder of the difficulties in managing cultural representations on a worldwide scale while the Paris Olympics go on.
