The Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony is facing some serious backlash for a segment featuring drag queens that resembled Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” leading some to accuse the games of mocking Christianity.
Introduction to the Incident
Nicky Doll, a prominent drag queen, participated as a torchbearer and performer at the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony, which included a scene that critics are saying resembled the Last Supper.
Forced to Watch
Nicky Doll went onto social media to defend the Olympic opening ceremony highlighting the fact that queer audiences have always been forced to watch everyone else, and it was about time for a change.
She Loves It
“The opening ceremony did ruffle some feathers… and I LOVE it. You know why? Because the Olympics are the biggest stage in the world and us queer people have always been the audience of other people’s life and achievement and it is time that we are welcome in the space.” – Nicky Doll on Instagram.
Defense and Explanation
Nicky Doll clarified that the scene was meant to depict a feast of Dionysius, not the Last Supper, and said she was proud to represent the queer community on a global stage.
LGBTQ+ Elements
The opening ceremony included various elements LGBTQ+ elements, such as drag queens, a transgender model, and a singer styled as Dionysus.
Celebrating the Olympians
Nicky Doll wrote on Instagram, “It was my absolute honor to perform in front of billions of people around the world, and celebrate our Olympians.”
Going Nowhere
At the end of her post, Nicky wrote, “Remember, to the ones that had their feathers ruffled seeing queerness on their screen: WE AIN’T GOING NOWHERE.”
Organizers’ Response
Anne Descamps, a spokesperson for Paris 2024, stated there was no intention to disrespect any religious group, emphasizing the ceremony’s true aim is to promote community tolerance.
No Disrespectful Intentions
Descamps said, “Clearly, there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. (The opening ceremony) tried to celebrate community tolerance. We believe this ambition was achieved.”
Really Sorry
Descamps concluded her statement by saying, “If people have taken any offense, we are really sorry.”
Criticism From Religious Groups
The Catholic Church in France also criticized the ceremony and described it as a mockery of Christianity and an insult to religion, a sentiment that many other religious leaders and commentators echoed.
Archbishop Scicluna
In a message to France’s ambassador to Malta, Archbishop Charles Scicluna said he was very disappointed with the opening ceremony after mistaking it for a parody of the Last Supper.
Distress and Disappointment
“I would like to express my distress and great disappointment at the insult to us Christians during the opening ceremony … when a group of drag artists parodied the Last Supper of Jesus.” – Archbishop Charles Scicluna.
Boxers Hatred
Ryan Garcia, a prominent and controversial boxing figure, went on an anti-LGBTQ tirade in response to the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
Religious Disrespect Accusation
Garcia accused the Paris Olympics of mocking Christianity for including a reenactment of ‘The Last Supper’ with athletes, calling for a boycott of the Olympics.
Disrespecting Religion
“The Olympics needs to be boycotted now. You can’t disrespect religion in front of millions. This ain’t right no one watch.” Garcia stated on Instagram.
Artistic Perspective and Intentions
Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the ceremony, also spoke out and denied any intention of religious subversion, explaining that the scene was meant to depict a pagan feast related to the gods of Olympus.
Diversity Means Being Together
Thomas Jolly said, “You will never find in my work a desire to denigrate anyone or anything. We wanted to talk about diversity. Diversity means being together. We wanted to include everyone, as simple as that.”
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / rarrarorro.
