Christians worldwide denounce Last Supper ‘blasphemy’ at Olympics opening ceremony

Paris Olympics opening ceremony sparks controversy after performance featuring drag queens parodying the Last Supper.


Pop Culture & Art July 27, 2024
-International Olympic Committee/Leonardo da Vinci

The Paris Olympics opening ceremony has ignited backlash, particularly from Christians, due to a performance featuring drag queens in a scene evocative of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, where Jesus dined with his apostles.

The ceremony aimed to showcase diversity and inclusion, highlighting LGBTQ+ references, and culminated in a tableau titled "Festivity." This scene featured well-known drag queens like Nicky Doll and Paloma, mimicking the iconic religious image.

Many perceived the depiction as disrespectful, drawing criticism from Christians around the world.

Critics argue that the portrayal showed insensitivity towards a sacred Christian symbol.

Conservative host Matt Walsh labelled the performance as "demonic".

The organisers intended to promote inclusivity, but the depiction of the Last Supper scene has sparked a broader debate on the boundaries of artistic representation and religious reverence, underscoring the complexities of balancing these aspects on a global stage.

 

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