The official inauguration of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was a spectacle that included numerous references to the art, culture, history, and music of the host country of the world’s most prominent sporting event.
It is worth noting that one of the moments that has so far generated the most comments on social media was the representation of "The Last Supper," the iconic work by Leonardo da Vinci that was painted between 1495 and 1498.
What happened with the representation of "The Last Supper"?
The controversy arose when a group of Drag Queen actors performed the famous painting during the opening of the Games, portraying Jesus and his apostles.
The show, according to various comments, was intended to convey a message of inclusion and diversity, values that the organizers of Paris 2024 defend, and that they consider deeply rooted in their society, which they describe as 'open-minded'.
However, after the presentation, thousands of users on social media expressed their discontent, labeling the act as a "lack of respect" towards believers, especially those who practice Catholicism.
One of the first to react was Elon Musk, who said on social media that the representation was "extremely offensive to Christians."
Reaction of the Catholic Church
In a statement published this Saturday, July 27, the French Episcopal Conference criticized what happened during the event.
“We thank people of other religious faiths who have expressed their solidarity. This morning, we think of all the Christians from all continents who have been hurt by the outrage and provocation of some scenes,” said the bishops of France.
Although they do not mention a specific scene, it is assumed they are talking about the one titled "Festivity," which was a reinterpretation of "The Last Supper" of Jesus Christ with his apostles. In this version, the apostles were replaced by drag queens, a trans model, and the singer Philippe Katerine, who appeared almost naked with some elements alluding to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and celebration.
The organizers' response
A spokesperson from the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee said, "Clearly, there was no intention to be disrespectful towards a religious group or belief. On the contrary, each of the frames in the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony aimed to celebrate community and tolerance."
In addition, regarding the artistic expressions in general at the Opening Ceremony, the president of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, Tony Estanguet, said that “we take into account the international community, but it was a French ceremony, in Paris. We have freedom of expression in France and we want to protect it.”