The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics has stirred controversy, particularly among conservative and religious groups in the United States, over its depiction of a modern reinterpretation of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper featuring drag performers. The scene sparked accusations of blasphemy and Satanism from critics, with some labeling it “overt pagan and satanic symbolism.”
The ceremony also included a fashion show with actor Philippe Katerine dressed as the Greek god Dionysus, painted blue and wearing minimal clothing. While some praised the display as campy and kitschy, others expressed outrage, including former Donald Trump campaign attorney Jenna Ellis who criticized the depiction on social media.
The artistic director of the ceremony defended the production, stating that the goal was to promote inclusion and diversity. Despite backlash, various figures such as NFL player Harrison Butker, Bishop Emmanuel Gobillard, and far-right politician Marion Marechal-Le Pen expressed their disapproval.
The event also sparked debates on social media, with some pointing out that the Last Supper has been parodied and altered numerous times throughout history. Amidst the criticisms, some argued that the portrayal would not have been accepted if it depicted a similar scene from the Quran.
The controversy in France comes in the context of a deeply secular society that has faced challenges related to freedom of expression in the past, such as the Charlie Hebdo attacks in 2015. Some, like Bishop Robert Barron, have called for resistance against what they see as offensive portrayals of Christian symbolism.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com