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Paris Olympics Organizers Issue Apology for Offensive Opening Ceremony
Source: YouTube
The Paris Olympics organizers have issued an apology to those offended by a tableau resembling Leonardo da Vinci's “The Last Supper” during the opening ceremony on Friday. The display provoked backlash from religious conservatives worldwide, but the organizers defended the creative concept behind it.
Leonardo da Vinci's iconic painting illustrates the moment Jesus announces that one of his apostles will betray him. In contrast, the scene at the Paris Olympics, set on the Debilly Bridge, featured DJ and producer Barbara Butch, an LGBTQ+ icon and self-proclaimed “love activist.” Butch, adorned in a silver headdress reminiscent of a halo, energized the crowd on a footbridge spanning the Seine, flanked by drag artists and dancers.
Organizers Deny Mocking Christian Symbols
CBS News correspondent Elaine Cobbe highlighted that the controversial scene actually depicted Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. The inspiration came from Jan Harmensz van Biljert's 17th-century painting “The Feast of the Gods,” showcasing Greek gods at a banquet celebrating the marriage of Thetis and Peleus. The central figure in this painting also features a halo-like light behind his head.
Thomas Jolly, the ceremony's director, clarified in an interview with France's BFMTV that “The Last Supper” was not the scene's inspiration. He explained, “Dionysus arrives at the table because he is the Greek God of celebration,” and the sequence was titled “festivity.” Jolly emphasized that his intent was to create a joyful pagan celebration linked to the gods of Mount Olympus, without mocking anyone.
Strong Backlash from Religious Communities
The official social media account of the Paris Olympics stated that the interpretation of Dionysus highlighted “the absurdity of violence between human beings.” Despite this, religious conservatives criticized the segment. The French Catholic Church's conference of bishops condemned the scenes as derisive, and Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova shared similar sentiments. The Anglican Communion in Egypt expressed regret, fearing the ceremony might undermine the IOC's sporting and humanitarian identity.
French far-right politician Marion Maréchal also voiced her disapproval, calling the performance a provocative left-wing minority's action. She assured global Christians that it did not reflect France's stance.
Wrong Message Sent
Jolly, distancing his work from “Last Supper” comparisons, reiterated his scene celebrated diversity and honored feasting and French gastronomy. Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps addressed the Paris Olympics controversy during an IOC news conference, expressing regret if anyone felt disrespected and reaffirming the aim to promote community tolerance.
“My wish isn't to be subversive, nor to mock or shock,” Jolly told The Associated Press. “Most of all, I wanted to send a message of love, a message of inclusion and not at all to divide.”
Apology Issued But Organizers Stood By Their Artistic Concept
The Paris Olympics opening ceremony on Friday ignited a storm of controversy due to a tableau that critics claimed resembled Leonardo da Vinci's “The Last Supper.” The organizers, while apologizing to those offended, stood by the artistic concept, sparking discussions on creativity, inclusivity, and respect for religious sentiments.
The contentious scene, featuring LGBTQ+ icon Barbara Butch on the Debilly Bridge, was not inspired by “The Last Supper” but by a 17th-century painting of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. Director Thomas Jolly explained that the aim was to celebrate joy and inclusivity, not to mock religious beliefs.
Global Condemnation
Despite the intent, religious conservatives globally condemned the performance, fearing it undermined the Olympic spirit and disrespected Christianity. Prominent voices, including the French Catholic Church and Russian Foreign Ministry, expressed their disapproval.
In response, Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps emphasized the ceremony's goal of promoting community tolerance and apologized for any unintentional offense.
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