The 2024 Olympics opening ceremony left many, including some American conservatives, expressing shock and outrage over a “parody” of Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” featuring drag queens and pagan mythological figures during Friday’s globally televised spectacle.
The moment during which the participants on the Olympic catwalk – a depiction of a fashion show that played out on one of the bridges over the Seine as the parade of nations passed underneath – was shared on social media by the Olympic Committee in addition to being watched around the world.
Reactions took place in many countries immediately during and after the Opening Ceremony broadcast from The 2024 Olympics.
Republican House Speaker Rep. Mike Johnson was among those who reacted in the U.S., calling it “shocking and insulting.”
“Last night’s mockery of the Last Supper was shocking and insulting to Christian people around the world who watched the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games,” the Republican leader wrote on X.
The parody became a topic worldwide overnight, overtaking other aspects of the lavish opening ceremony spectacle, angering politicians and clergy alike, in addition to thousands on social media.
“This ceremony has unfortunately included scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity, which we very deeply deplore,” the Conference of French Bishops announced in a statement.
Angry social media posts from French and Italian officials with right wing parties went viral overnight abroad, and the reactions in the States ranged from surprise to alarm and outrage as well.
“What the f*ck was all this about? A drag queen mockery of the Last Supper at the Olympics? Would they have mocked any other religion like this? Appalling decision,” Piers Morgan wrote on X.
Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) called it an “intentional” mockery of Christianity, and she asked Vice President Kamala Harris to condemn it.
“[Kamala Harris], will you condemn this?” she wrote. “America is at a crossroads. There are two very different paths. Craziness vs. common sense. We all know which road the most liberal presidential nominee in history would drive us down.”
“The 2024 Paris Olympics has gone full Woke dystopian,” Kyle Becker wrote.
Many of the conservative reactions came in response to messages of support of the opening ceremony and accusations of “pearl-clutching” by conservatives to a drag queen-filled Last Supper.
Thomas Jolly, the ceremony’s artistic director, has pushed back against criticism, claiming the mockup of a famous Christianity image is all about inclusivity.
“In France, people are free to love how they please, are free to love whoever they want, are free to believe or not believe,” Jolly said.
Watch the clip above via France 24.
