Co-host of “The View,” Whoopi Goldberg, shared her thoughts on the drag queen performance during the Olympics opening ceremony, which many interpreted as a representation of “The Last Supper,” and suggested that those bothered by it should “simply turn off the TV.”
“If something doesn’t please you and it’s upsetting, don’t spend hours composing an email. Just turn off the TV, watch something different. Set aside the newspaper. Avoid the images. These are choices we’re making. These are our choices. You have that power. Ignore what Instagram suggests. If you dislike it, find something else,” Goldberg stated on Monday.
Critics targeted the group of drag queens for seemingly portraying the iconic “Last Supper” painting by Leonardo da Vinci, which illustrates Jesus and his apostles during their last meal before his crucifixion.
Goldberg, however, noted that the performance’s director clarified it was inspired by “The Feast of the Gods,” a 17th Century Dutch artwork featuring Greek Olympian gods, emphasizing its connection to the Olympics.
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Whoopi Goldberg advised viewers of the Olympics on Monday to turn off their TVs if they were upset by the performance. (Screenshot/ABC/TheView)
“Let’s be real, everybody. It’s the Olympics. They’re not trying to provoke anything; they’re just showcasing history. They are depicting the history. There are too many individuals in the scene for it to solely represent the 12 disciples along with the additional group depicted,” she elaborated.
Co-host Sara Haines expressed her frustration regarding the religious controversy, stating that “intention” mattered and noted that the performance’s director had apologized to those who took offense.
“Don’t strictly adhere to the literal words of the Bible. Embrace the essence of its message, which is to live with grace, forgiveness, and understanding. I was frustrated. You responded, and I accept that. I’m just tired of being bombarded with religious dogma while others live their lives in contradiction to the teachings,” Haines remarked.
Co-host Ana Navarro suggested that the focus should remain on the Olympic athletes since the Games occur only once every four years.
“This segment represents such a minute part of the event, yet it has consumed so much attention. The Olympics occur every four years, and there are young individuals who dedicate their whole lives to represent their countries. Can we please redirect our focus towards them?” Navarro urged.
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An overview of the Trocadero venue as delegations arrive in Paris for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics on Friday, July 26, 2024. (Francois-Xavier Marit/Pool Photo via AP)
Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin remarked that countries “embrace their culture” during the opening ceremonies, adding that “nothing represents Paris more than a reference to the beheading of Marie Antoinette, metal music, and drag queens.”
She asserted that there was something to appeal to everyone and reiterated that those who disapproved had the choice not to watch.
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Jillian Michaels was among those who criticized the performance.
“Dear fellow gays… We advocate for tolerance and respect but then trivialize something sacred for over 2 billion Christians,” Michaels expressed in a post on X.
“This hypocrisy and lack of sensitivity portray us in a negative light. We react strongly when the extreme right attacks us, yet we do this. What kind of response do you expect from them toward the LGBTQ+ community after this? This is NOT how we foster understanding; it only serves to create divisions,” she added.
