Shillong, July 28: The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024 has ignited international outrage, particularly from the Christian community, after featuring drag queens in a scene reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper.’
The performance depicted Jesus dining with his apostles before his crucifixion, with one performer wearing a large silver headdress resembling a halo and another painted blue and adorned with flowers, appearing to symbolize a dish being served at the meal.
Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly critical, with many users calling the performance an “insult” to Catholics.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma took to social media to express his dismay, stating, “Deeply disappointed by the drag act depicting the Last Supper at the Paris Olympics. Religious sentiments must be respected. Strongly Condemn such act.”
In defense, the Paris Olympic organizers claimed the show aimed to humorously underline the absurdity of violence among humans. Despite this, the backlash continued, with commentators expressing concerns about the broader implications of mocking religious traditions in a public forum like the Olympics.
The ceremony included other controversial moments, such as a depiction of a “headless” Marie Antoinette and a scene suggesting a sexual encounter at France’s national library, further fueling the debate over the appropriateness of the content presented during the event.
