Siphiwe Dlamini
A performance at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, directed by Thomas Jolly, has ignited widespread controversy, particularly among Christian communities. The ceremony featured drag queens in a scene reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper,’ where Jesus dined with his apostles. This portrayal has been heavily criticized for being disrespectful and offensive to religious sensibilities.
In the controversial performance, one participant wore a large silver headdress resembling a halo, while another was painted blue and adorned with flowers, symbolizing a dish being served at the meal. This interpretation has been condemned on social media, with many labeling it as a sacrilegious act.
“The 2024 Paris Olympics has gone full Woke dystopian. The opening ceremony was filled with transgend*r mockery of the Last Supper, the Golden Calf idol, and even the Pale Horse from the Book of Revelation. The Olympics has made it clear that Christian viewers aren’t welcome,” stated Texas-based journalist Kyle Becker on his social media account.
Prominent figures in the United States also expressed their outrage, accusing the event of disrespecting Christian beliefs and alienating a significant global audience. U.S. radio host Clint Russell criticized the performance, saying, “Opening your event by replacing Jesus and the disciples with men in drag is unacceptable.” Tom Fitton, president of the U.S.-based NGO Judicial Watch, remarked, “The transnational Left have contempt for Western civilization.”
Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the opening ceremony, defended the performance, claiming it was meant to humorously highlight the absurdity of human violence. However, the backlash persisted, with concerns being raised about the broader implications of mocking religious traditions on such a prominent global stage. The ceremony also featured other controversial scenes, including a depiction of a “headless” Marie Antoinette and a suggestive scene set in France’s national library, according to FOX News.
Conservative French politician and European Parliament member Marion Marechal sought to distance the nation from the performance, clarifying that it did not reflect the views of all French people. She addressed international audiences with a message of clarification:
“To all the Christians of the world who are watching the #Paris2024 ceremony and felt insulted by this drag queen parody of the Last Supper, know that it is not France that is speaking but a left-wing minority ready for any provocation. #notinmyname”
Many have expressed concern that the Olympics, traditionally viewed as a family-friendly and inclusive global spectacle, might have taken a controversial turn with such provocative content.
Critics argue that incorporating scenes with drag queens and suggestive imagery in a widely watched event could be inappropriate for younger audiences. The fear is that exposure to such content without proper context may confuse or mislead children, potentially damaging their understanding of cultural and religious values.
This has led to calls for more careful consideration in the planning of events that reach a diverse and multi-generational audience, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between artistic freedom and sensitivity to viewers of all ages.
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