Paris Olympics Rep Addresses Opening Ceremony Controversy

The Paris Olympics have been at the center of controversy following the opening ceremony on Friday. Many people felt that the drag performance was mocking Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “The Last Supper.” A representative for the Olympics has now come forward to address the hot debate.

Paris Olympics Rep Addresses Last Supper Controversy

Da Vinci’s painting infamously depicts Jesus and his disciples sharing a meal before his crucifixion. At the Paris Olympics, it seemed like the scene was brought to life with drag queens, a trans model, and a male singer painted blue.

During an interview with the artistic director Thomas Jolly, he made it clear that the inspiration for the scene was not “The Last Supper.” He said that the entire idea for the performance was “a grand pagan festival connected to the gods of Olympus” and the man who was painted blue was meant to be Dionysus. Thomas Jolly reiterated that “The Last Supper” was not a reference for the performance.

“When we want to include everyone and not exclude anyone, questions are raised,” he said. “Our subject was not to be subversive. We never wanted to be subversive. We wanted to talk about diversity. Diversity means being together. We wanted to include everyone, as simple as that.”

Another representative for the Paris Olympics, Anna Descamps, said nothing was done with “an intention to show disrespect to any religious group.” She continued, “[The opening ceremony] tried to celebrate community tolerance… We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offense, we are really sorry.”

Celebs Call Out Opening Ceremony For Mocking Christianity

Several conservative celebrities, such as Rob Schneider, Elon Musk, Harrison Butker, and Candace Cameron Bure, have called out the ceremonies for mocking Christianity.

“To watch such an incredible and wonderful event that’s going to take place over the next two weeks and see the opening ceremonies completely blaspheme and mock the Christian faith with their interpretation of the Last Supper was disgusting,” Candace Bure said in an Instagram video. “And it made me so sad. And someone said, ‘You shouldn’t be sad. You should be mad about it.’ And I’m like, ‘Trust me. It makes me mad.’ But I’m more sad, because I’m sad for souls.”

Rob Schneider took to X with his complaints about the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. “I am sorry to say to all the world’s greatest athletes, I wish you all the best, but I cannot watch an Olympics that disrespects Christianity and openly celebrates Satan,” he wrote. “I sincerely hope these Olympics get the same amount of viewers as CSPAN.”

Guys with their genitalia hanging out in front of children?! Drag Queens?!
I wasn’t sure if I was watching the @Olympics or if I was watching a school board meeting… pic.twitter.com/JpRw4UPqDA

— Rob Schneider (@RobSchneider) July 28, 2024

Additionally, Rob Schneider tweeted, “Guys with their genitalia hanging out in front of children?! Drag Queens?! I wasn’t sure if I was watching the Olympics or if I was watching a school board meeting.”