During the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, a performance by drag queens parodying Leonardo da Vinci's iconic painting "The Last Supper" sparked widespread condemnation and outrage among religious leaders and Christians worldwide, who accused it of mocking Christianity.
A controversial performance featuring drag queens parodying the renowned Leonardo da Vinci painting "The Last Supper" during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics has ignited a storm of criticism and condemnation from religious leaders and Christians around the globe.
The display, which was part of a floating parade on the River Seine, showcased drag queens seated around a table with a blue-painted individual positioned atop the table. Many perceived this as a mockery of Da Vinci's depiction of Christ dining with his apostles in the Gospel of John.
Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony: Outrage Over Mockery of "The Last Supper
Bishop Robert Barron of Phoenix, one of the most outspoken critics, labeled the performance a "gross, flippant mockery of the Christian faith." He expressed shock and dismay, particularly since Christianity holds the Last Supper at its core.
Condemning the display as "blasphemous" and a "grotesque mockery," Daniel Darling, director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, argued that it revealed the sexual revolution's emergence as an alternative religion that derides the sacred. He urged Christians to respond with boldness and compassion, sharing the gospel with those seeking meaning and transcendence.
Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony: Outrage Over Mockery of "The Last Supper
Carrie E. Pierce, co-founder of Morgan Pierce Media & Publishing, denounced the performance as "satanic warfare" and "mental illness on full display." She questioned why Muslim or Buddhist drag queens were not portrayed instead and emphasized that Christians should resist being easy prey due to their tolerance.
Brian Grim, founding president of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, criticized the Olympic organizers for lagging behind in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He cited data showing a surge in Fortune 500 companies embracing religious diversity in their workplaces.
Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony: Outrage Over Mockery of "The Last Supper
Notable figures like Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, fitness guru Jillian Michaels, and actress Candace Cameron Bure joined a growing chorus of public condemnation. Lawmakers and officials, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matteo Salvini, and Hungary's ambassador to the Vatican, further denounced the act.
While many condemned the performance as a mockery of the Last Supper, others claimed it symbolized the feast of the Greek god Dionysus, suggesting that the outrage was misplaced. The official Olympics X account shared a photo with the caption, "The interpretation of the Greek God Dionysus makes us aware of the absurdity of violence between human beings."
Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony: Outrage Over Mockery of "The Last Supper
Despite organizers' insistence that there was no intention to offend any religious group, the controversy continues to escalate. Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps expressed regret for any offense taken, stating that the ceremony aimed to celebrate community tolerance.
Fox News' Cortney O'Brien, Brian Flood, Ryan Gaydos, and Greg Wehner contributed to this report.
Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony: Outrage Over Mockery of "The Last Supper
