The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024 has sparked significant controversy due to a drag queen-inspired parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous artwork, “The Last Supper.” This portrayal depicts Jesus and his apostles, and the performance quickly received backlash after videos of it circulated on social media.
During the opening ceremony, which took place on Friday, various acts showcased the rich history and culture of France. One particular segment featured around 18 performers positioned behind a long table, with the iconic Seine River and Eiffel Tower in the background. According to reports from The New York Post, three well-known drag queens from Drag Race France were among these performers.
At the center of the tableau, an artistically adorned performer donned a large silver headdress resembling a halo, reminiscent of depictions of Jesus. With a smile on her face, she formed a heart shape with her hands while the group posed for the camera, before transitioning into a meticulously choreographed routine.
The performance also included an impromptu fashion show, where participants danced along the sidelines. Adding to the spectacle, a large serving tray revealed a scantily clad man painted entirely in sparkling blue.
A post on the official X account of the Olympic Games noted that the “reinterpretation of the Greek God Dionysus highlights the absurdity of human violence.”
However, the performance was poorly received by many who believed it mocked Christianity. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, commented, “This was extremely disrespectful to Christians.”
French politician Marion Marechal stated, “To all the Christians around the world watching the #Paris2024 ceremony who felt insulted by this drag queen parody of the Last Supper, know that it is not France speaking but a left-wing minority willing to provoke. #notinmyname”
The Paris 2024 Olympics kicked off on Friday and will run until August 11.
