Paris Olympics organizers have issued an apology to those offended by a scene in Sunday’s opening ceremony, which some found reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” They defended the concept behind the depiction.
Da Vinci’s painting captures the moment Jesus announces one of his apostles will betray him. The controversial scene featured DJ and producer Barbara Butch, an LGBTQ+ icon, surrounded by drag performers and dancers.
Religious leaders worldwide criticized the scene, including the French Catholic Church’s bishops’ conference, which condemned what it saw as mockery of Christianity.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova and Egypt’s Anglican Communion also expressed deep regret, fearing it could undermine the IOC’s sporting and humanist values.
Thomas Jolly, the ceremony’s artistic director, clarified that the scene was meant to celebrate diversity and French gastronomy, not to parallel “The Last Supper.” He cited inspiration from Jan Harmensz van Bijlert’s “Festin des Dieux” or “Banquet of the Gods.”
The interpretation of the Greek God Dionysus makes us aware of the absurdity of violence between human beings. #Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/FBlQNNUmvV
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024Paris 2024 spokeswoman Anne Descamps addressed the backlash at an International Olympic Committee news conference on Sunday.
“It’s clear that there was never any intention to disrespect any religious group. On the contrary, I think that with Thomas Jolly, we really tried to celebrate community tolerance,” Descamps said. “Given the results of the surveys that we shared, we believe that this ambition has been achieved. If people were offended, we are, of course, really, really sorry.”
Mr. Jolly explained his intentions to The Associated Press after the ceremony. “My intention is not to be subversive, or to mock or shock,” Mr. Jolly said. “I wanted to send a message of love, a message of inclusion and not a message of division at all.”
Finally, it's true that the Olympics didn't shy away from celebrating diversity in love and race. But if you think that's wrong, I think that's on you. France showed us they are free, cultured and secular, and I am here for it! pic.twitter.com/KekKf0fAkk
— AukeHoekstra (@AukeHoekstra) July 28, 2024
