The Paris Olympics organizers have issued an apology after a performance of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” during the opening ceremony sparked outrage among some viewers, including religious officials.
The French Catholic Church’s conference of bishops condemned the performance, saying it “mocked” Christianity and left many Christians feeling hurt and offended. The church expressed its disappointment and gratitude to other religious denominations that expressed solidarity with them.
The performance, which featured DJ Barbara Butch, drag artists, and dancers, was intended to celebrate French feasting and art, as well as promote diversity and inclusion, according to the opening ceremony’s artistic director, Thomas Jolly. However, Jolly acknowledged that the performance may have unintentionally caused offense and apologized to those who were hurt.
“My intention was not to be subversive or to mock or shock, but to send a message of love and inclusion,” Jolly said. “I regret that some people may have taken offense, and I apologize for any hurt caused.”
Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps also apologized for any offense caused, saying that the organizers had tried to promote community tolerance and celebrate diversity. “We are sorry if people have taken any offense, and we appreciate the solidarity expressed by other religious denominations,” Descamps said.
However, not everyone was convinced by the apology. The French Catholic Church’s conference of bishops released a statement shortly after the performance expressing discomfort with the display.
House Speaker Mike Johnson called the performance “shocking and insulting to Christian people around the world,” while Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) described it as “an intentional choice to mock Christianity and Christians.”
