Organizers of the Paris Olympics defended the opening ceremony on Sunday amidst criticism over its alleged mockery of The Last Supper in the performance.
The ceremony faced backlash from American politicians, global leaders, Christian communities, and athletes regarding its portrayal of a highly respected event in Christianity.
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Drag queen Piche performs at the Debilly Bridge in Paris during the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
The performance segment appeared to evoke a portrayal of The Last Supper, the famous artwork by Leonardo da Vinci. The cast included drag queens, a transgender model, and a nude singer styled to represent the Greek god Dionysus.
Anne Descamps, a spokesperson for Paris 2024, addressed the issue on Sunday.
“Clearly, there was never any intention to offend any religious group. (The opening ceremony) aimed to celebrate inclusivity,” Descamps told reporters, as reported by Reuters.
“We genuinely believe this goal was realized. If anyone felt offended, we sincerely apologize.”
The Eiffel Tower illuminated in the rain during the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
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Another LGBT leader from France remarked that the ceremony fell short of expectations.
“In the LGBTQ community in France, we are far from the reality depicted in the ceremony. There’s considerable work needed in society for transgender individuals. It’s unfortunate that to legally alter their identity, they must undergo a trial,” said Inter-LGBT president James Leperlier.
“If you watched the opening ceremony last night, you might think that’s how it is, but it’s not. France attempted to showcase how it should be rather than how it currently is.”
The Trocadero venue with the Eiffel Tower in the background, during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games. (Francois-Xavier Marit/Pool via Reuters)
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Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker and former MLB star Roy Oswalt were among those who criticized the parody.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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