The Paris Olympics opening ceremony has been met with global outrage over a segment that many observers interpreted as a disrespectful portrayal of the Last Supper. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the ceremony as “immoral” and offensive to Christians, announcing plans to discuss the matter with Pope Francis. He claimed that the ceremony used “perversion” to undermine Christian values.
The controversy centers around a scene that included dancers, drag queens, and a DJ in poses resembling those from Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting. This sparked widespread criticism from various religious groups, with many seeing it as a mockery of Christianity. Iraq’s Chaldean Catholic Church denounced the segment as “shameful” and an affront to both religious and human values. The church’s statement further expressed support for the French Church and its Assembly of Bishops.
In Mosul, Archbishop Benedictus Younan Hanno of the Syriac Catholic Church called for his congregation to fast in protest, labeling the depiction a serious insult to religion and humanity. He expressed surprise that such actions could emanate from France, a country known for its secularism and respect for diverse faiths.
Thomas Jolly, the director of the opening ceremony, denied that the segment was inspired by the Last Supper. He explained that the intention was to create a grand celebration linked to ancient pagan gods. Paris 2024 spokeswoman Anne Descamps echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that there was no intention to disrespect any religious group and expressing regret if the ceremony caused offense.
Despite these statements, the backlash has been significant. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) removed the video of the opening ceremony from its YouTube channel. The French Catholic Church’s bishops labeled it a “mockery” of Christianity, a sentiment echoed by Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry. The Anglican Communion in Egypt also voiced concern, stating that the ceremony could harm the IOC’s reputation for promoting sports and humanitarian values.
In response to the controversy, C Spire, a major telecommunications company in the US, has withdrawn all of its advertisements from the Paris Olympics. This incident highlights the sensitive nature of religious representation in global events and the potential for unintended offense. The controversy surrounding the Paris Olympics opening ceremony has sparked a global dialogue about the balance between artistic expression, cultural sensitivity, and religious beliefs.
