Paris Ceremony's 'Last Supper' Parody Stirs Controversy

PARIS, July 27 (Reuters) — A parody of Leonardo Da Vinci's renowned fresco *The Last Supper*, featuring drag queens during the Olympic opening ceremony in Paris, has provoked strong reactions from the Catholic Church and far-right politicians. Meanwhile, supporters have lauded the performance for its message of tolerance. The groundbreaking ceremony on the Seine River, which attracted millions of viewers globally, showcased a tableau that celebrated Paris’s vibrant nightlife and its reputation for tolerance, pleasure, and subversion.

The performance recreated the iconic biblical scene of Jesus Christ and his twelve apostles sharing their final meal before the crucifixion, but with a twist: it featured drag queens, a transgender model, and a nude singer dressed as the Greek god Dionysus. The Catholic Church in France condemned the segment, with the Conference of French Bishops stating, “This ceremony regrettably included scenes that mock and deride Christianity, which we strongly condemn.”Far-right politicians in France and beyond took to social media to voice their outrage. 

Marion Marechal, a far-right politician, posted on X, “To all the Christians around the world watching the #Paris2024 ceremony and feeling insulted by this drag queen parody of the Last Supper, understand that this does not represent France but rather a left-wing minority eager for provocation.”

Italian politician Matteo Salvini chimed in with, “Starting the Olympics by insulting billions of Christians worldwide was truly a poor choice, dear French. Disgraceful.”Far-right politicians in France and beyond took to social media to express their outrage.

Marion Maréchal, a far-right politician, posted on X, “To all the Christians around the world watching the #Paris2024 ceremony and feeling insulted by this drag queen parody of the Last Supper, know that this does not represent France but rather a left-wing minority seeking to provoke.”

Italian politician Matteo Salvini added, “Starting the Olympics by offending billions of Christians worldwide was a truly poor decision, dear French. Disgraceful.”

"In France, people are free to love whom they choose, love however they please, and hold any beliefs or none at all," Thomas Jolly, the ceremony's artistic director, told reporters on Saturday in response to critics.

Some commentators argued that the controversy was another instance of 21st-century culture wars intensified by the 24-hour news cycle and social media. 

“Everyone seems to be offended these days,” David Aaronovitch, a BBC Radio 4 presenter, said on X. “Leonardo’s work is one of the most famous images in the Western world and has been pastiched, parodied, and altered countless times.”One of the protagonists of the pastiche was unrepentant. 

“It wouldn’t be fun without controversy. Wouldn’t it be boring if everyone agreed on everything?” Philippe Katerine, the blue naked man in the scene, told BFM TV the day after the show.

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