Donald Trump has criticized last week’s controversial opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris, labeling it a ‘disgrace’.
The former President’s sharp remarks come in response to strong backlash over the event’s controversial religious representations.
Organizers of the Olympics have issued apologies to those offended by a tableau reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’, which illustrates the moment Jesus Christ informed his apostles about impending betrayal.
The ceremony on Friday showcased DJ and producer Barbara Butch — a celebrated LGBTQ+ figure — accompanied by drag performers and dancers, with one dancer appearing partially exposed during the event.
Religious conservatives globally have condemned this segment, with Trump joining the chorus of dissenters.
Donald Trump has condemned last week’s controversial Olympics opening ceremony in Paris
This scene featuring drag queens appearing to depict The Last Supper caused controversy during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on Friday night
A singing performer painted blue depicted the Greek god Dionysus during Friday’s ceremony
The former president stated on Fox: ‘I found the opening ceremony to be a disgrace, honestly. It was just terrible.’
Regarding the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, Trump remarked: ‘We certainly won’t depict a Last Supper as they did the other night.’
He continued, ‘They can do what they like, but I thought it was inappropriate.’
‘I’m open to everyone, very accepting… but what they showcased was shameful.’
The French Catholic Church’s conference of bishops expressed their discontent with the ‘scenes of derision’ that they felt mocked Christianity, a sentiment echoed by Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The Anglican Communion in Egypt aired its ‘deep regrets’ on Sunday, indicating that the ceremony might cause the IOC to ‘lose its unique sporting identity and humanitarian message.’
Donald Trump Jr. has also criticized the director’s intentions, calling them ‘satanic.’
‘My mom was an Olympian (Czech Natl Ski Team), and as a child, I would be excited for weeks before the games,’ Trump Jr. posted on X, repeating the unfounded claim that the late Ivana Trump was part of Czechoslovakia’s 1972 Olympic team.
He added, ‘Now with these predictable (& seemingly satanic) drag queen opening ceremonies and constant nonsense, no one I know even thinks about it beyond possibly catching some highlights.’
Donald Trump Jr. took to social media decrying the performance at the opening ceremony
Paris 2024 Olympics communications director Anne Descamps pictured at a press conference
Despite the discussions regarding the director’s potentially ‘satanic’ motives, the scene may have been misunderstood.
Artistic director Thomas Jolly distanced his segment from any ‘Last Supper’ allusions, emphasizing that it aimed to celebrate diversity and honor French culinary traditions.
Organizing committee member Anne Descamps has since expressed regret for any offense caused by the religious imagery during the ceremony.
In a press briefing on Sunday, Descamps extended apologies for any discomfort and affirmed that the ceremony was intended to ‘celebrate community tolerance.’
‘There was never any intention to show disrespect to any religious groups,’ she stated.
‘In fact, I believe Thomas Jolly aimed to highlight community acceptance. We feel this goal was realized, but if anyone found it offensive, we are truly sorry.’
This comes after thousands of users on social media threatened to boycott the Paris Games due to the opening ceremony.
Angry viewers flooded X (formerly Twitter) with the hashtags ‘#boycottOlympics’ and ‘#boycottParis2024’ trending within a day of the event.
Echoing the criticisms of others, Rob Schneider claimed the ceremony celebrates Satan
The presence of a ‘naked blue man’ in a scene compared to the Last Supper outraged many viewers, particularly among Christians.
One individual tweeted: ‘What a disgraceful opening to the 2024 Olympics #BoycottOlympics.’
Another asserted they ‘didn’t even care about the Olympics’ but were now ‘100 percent boycotting.’
Rob Schneider, a Saturday Night Live alumnus, is among those vowing to boycott the Olympics due to the controversial opening ceremony he perceives as an affront to Christianity.
‘I apologize to ALL the world’s GREATEST ATHLETES, I wish you ALL THE BEST, but I cannot support an Olympics that disrespects Christianity and openly celebrates Satan,’ the 60-year-old expressed on X.
‘Men with their genitals exposed in front of children?!’ Schneider remarked in another post. ‘Drag Queens?! I couldn’t tell if I was watching the @Olympics or attending a school board meeting…’
