The organizers of the Paris 2024 Olympics have issued an apology following the backlash from religious conservatives worldwide due to a tableau in the opening ceremony that resembled Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” The scene, featuring DJ and LGBTQ+ icon Barbara Butch with drag artists and dancers, was meant to celebrate Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, but was perceived by some as mocking Christianity. Thomas Jolly, the ceremony’s artistic director, defended the concept, emphasizing the intention to celebrate diversity and community tolerance.
The controversial segment was actually inspired by “The Feast of the Gods,” a 17th-century painting by Dutch artist Jan Harmensz van Biljert. Jolly clarified that the scene was not based on “The Last Supper,” but aimed to depict a pagan celebration linked to Greek mythology. Despite the clarification, the French Catholic Church and various religious groups expressed their disappointment, seeing it as a derisive portrayal of Christian themes.
Prominent figures, including French far-right politician Marion Maréchal and Romanian influencer Andrew Tate, condemned the performance. The latter led a protest in Bucharest, urging athletes to boycott the Olympics. In response to the criticism, Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps reiterated that there was no intent to disrespect any religious group and apologized for any offense caused, maintaining that the goal was to promote inclusivity and unity.
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