The 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony has drawn widespread condemnation from U.S. and world lawmakers, religious leaders, and commentators. The controversy stems from a performance by drag queens who parodied Leonardo DaVinci's renowned painting, the Last Supper, which depicts Jesus Christ's final meal with his apostles.
The 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony has sparked outrage among political and religious figures, who have denounced a performance by drag queens parodying Leonardo DaVinci's depiction of the Last Supper.
Olympics Opening Ceremony Sparks Outrage: Drag Queens Parody Last Supper
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) expressed shock and insult at the parody, calling it a "mockery" that has "no bounds today." Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) condemned the performance, labeling it "satanic, trans, and occult."
International leaders have also joined the chorus of condemnation. Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini called the act a "really bad start" that "insults billions of Christians." Hungary's ambassador to the Vatican, Eduard Habsburg, likened it to decapitation and the ridicule of central Christian events.
Olympics Opening Ceremony Sparks Outrage: Drag Queens Parody Last Supper
Religious leaders have also voiced their disapproval. The Vatican has yet to comment, but former NCAA Division I swimmer Paula Scanlan expressed her outrage on Fox News, stating that the performance "took something sacred and made a mockery of it."
The controversy has ignited a firestorm on social media. Fox Nation host Piers Morgan questioned the appropriateness of mocking the Last Supper, asking if the Olympics would dare mock other religions in the same way.
Olympics Opening Ceremony Sparks Outrage: Drag Queens Parody Last Supper
The organizers of the opening ceremony have not yet responded to the backlash. However, some have argued that the performance was intended as a celebration of diversity and inclusivity.
The Last Supper is a central event in Christianity, depicted in countless works of art throughout history. For Christians, it symbolizes the Eucharist, the ritual re-enactment of Jesus' last meal with his disciples.
The controversy highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and religious respect in public events. Critics argue that the drag queen parody was insensitive and disrespectful towards Christians and religious traditions.
The incident also raises questions about artistic freedom and the limits of expression. While some argue that art should push boundaries, others believe that certain societal norms and religious beliefs should be respected.
The outrage over the drag queen Last Supper parody is likely to continue. The incident has sparked a wider debate about cultural sensitivity, artistic freedom, and the role of religion in society. The long-term implications for the 2024 Paris Olympics and future cultural events remain to be seen.
