Mockery of the Last Supper at Paris Olympics 2024 Met with Criticism
THE LAST SUPPER – The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024 on July 26 sparked controversy due to the portrayal of a drag artist reimagining Leonardo da Vinci’s renowned mural.
The painting, which depicts Jesus Christ’s final meal with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion, was represented in the ceremony with drag queens playing the roles of Jesus and his disciples. This depiction was met with significant backlash from various quarters.
Many social media users condemned the use of drag artists in this religious context. Comments described the portrayal as a “mockery” of the Christian Last Supper, with some users expressing disgust and criticizing the inclusion of drag queens and a woman in an aureole. There were also remarks about how this treatment of Christianity was unique compared to how other religions are depicted, suggesting that Christianity is unfairly targeted.
Some critics argued that the Olympics, an event intended to unify countries through sports, should not engage in what they viewed as disrespectful acts toward religion. They felt that the artistic recreation of such a sacred image as “The Last Supper” in this manner was offensive and disrespectful.
As of now, the Paris Olympics organizers have not made an official statement regarding the controversy surrounding the opening ceremony.
Meanwhile, the 2024 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad and branded as Paris 2024, is an ongoing international multi-sport event in Paris, France. The Games run from July 24 to August 11, 2024, with the opening ceremony held on July 26. Paris, hosting the Summer Olympics for the third time, was chosen in a bid process where it competed against Los Angeles for the 2024 Games; both cities were eventually awarded the 2024 and 2028 Olympics respectively.
The Games feature 10,714 athletes from 206 nations, competing in 329 events across 32 sports. New to this edition is the inclusion of breakdancing as an Olympic sport. The event is notable for its use of existing and temporary venues, with activities spread across Paris and 16 other cities, including a surfing site in Tahiti.