Outrage Over Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony Depicts Last Supper
- The opening ceremony for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games has drawn sharp criticism from U.S. and global lawmakers due to drag queens allegedly making a mockery of the Last Supper.
- Critics argue that this portrayal disrespects a significant religious event, sparking outrage among various communities.
- The debate highlights ongoing tensions surrounding cultural representation and respect for religious sentiments.
Several lawmakers from the U.S. and around the world have expressed strong condemnation of the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, which featured drag queens and artists performing a controversial interpretation of Leonardo Da Vinci's iconic painting, the Last Supper. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., described the portrayal as "shocking and insulting" to Christians globally, asserting that it exemplifies a broader "war on our faith and traditional values." He emphasized the resilience of truth and virtue in the face of such provocations. Criticism has also emerged from international figures, including Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who shared an image juxtaposing the drag queens with the Last Supper, labeling the performance as "seedy." Hungary’s ambassador to the Vatican, Eduard Habsburg, sarcastically referenced historical events, suggesting that mocking central Christian themes at the Olympics is an inappropriate choice. The French Olympic Committee has reportedly been removing videos of the ceremony, citing copyright laws, which has sparked further outrage among critics who argue that sharing these videos is a matter of free speech. One commentator highlighted the double standard, questioning whether such mockery would be tolerated if it targeted other religions, particularly Islam. The backlash reflects a growing concern among conservative groups regarding the intersection of art, faith, and public events, as they call for respect towards religious sentiments in global platforms like the Olympics.