The 2024 Olympics opening ceremony has sparked fierce backlash from critics who accuse organizers of mocking Christianity with a depiction of drag queens at the Last Supper. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., slammed the White House for failing to address the controversial skit.
The 2024 Olympics opening ceremony has drawn widespread criticism for a scene depicting drag queens reenacting the Last Supper, with religious leaders and conservative politicians accusing organizers of mocking Christianity. The White House has been silent on the issue, further fueling the controversy.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., led the chorus of disapproval, calling the skit "shocking and insulting" to Christian people around the world. He slammed the White House for refusing to address the issue, saying their silence "should be taken as an endorsement."
Olympics Accused of Mocking Christians with Drag Queens in Opening Ceremony
"The more than 200 million Christians in America should take note," Johnson wrote in a post on X.
During Tuesday's White House briefing, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre refused to answer questions about President Biden's take on the performance, instead shrugging and smiling. When reporters pressed her on whether Christians were offended, she giggled and again dodged the question.
Olympics Accused of Mocking Christians with Drag Queens in Opening Ceremony
"I just answered your question. I don't have anything else to add," Jean-Pierre said through chuckles.
Biden, who has often spoken about his Catholic faith, has yet to comment on the event. First lady Jill Biden praised the opening ceremony as "spectacular" but did not specifically mention the drag queen skit.
Olympics Accused of Mocking Christians with Drag Queens in Opening Ceremony
Neither Biden nor Vice President Kamala Harris' offices responded to Fox News Digital's requests for comment on the opening ceremony and backlash from the religious community.
Other Christian leaders echoed Johnson's condemnation, calling the scene "insulting" and part of a "war on our faith."
"Last night's mockery of the Last Supper was an attack on Christian values and a reflection of the cultural decline we are witnessing today," said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The controversy has sparked outrage on social media, with many users accusing the Olympics of promoting an anti-Christian agenda. Some have even called for a boycott of the Games.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) defended the opening ceremony, saying it aimed to promote inclusivity and diversity. However, critics argue that the portrayal of the Last Supper was disrespectful and offensive.
The backlash over the drag queen skit has cast a shadow over the Olympics, which are scheduled to begin on July 26, 2024. It remains to be seen how the IOC and the White House will respond to the ongoing criticism and whether it will affect the Games' overall reception.
