Organizers Apologize for ‘Last Supper’ Controversy at Olympics

Organizers of the Olympic Games apologized after Christian groups criticized Friday’s opening ceremony for a banquet sequence featuring drag artists which they felt mocked Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper.’ Critics, including the Catholic Church in France, viewed the portrayal of the 15th-century painting, a significant biblical scene, as derisive towards Christianity.

A US telecommunications company, C Spire announced it would pull its advertising from the Olympics, expressing shock at what it considered a mockery of the Last Supper. Thomas Jolly, the ceremony’s artistic director, clarified that he intended the scene to reference pagan gods, not to insult any religious group.

“I had no intention to mock or denigrate anyone,” Jolly explained, emphasizing that he aimed to create a grand pagan celebration linked to the gods of Olympus. Paris 2024 spokeswoman Anne Descamps echoed this sentiment, stating that the ceremony sought to promote community tolerance and unity.

“If people took any offence, we are really sorry,” she said. Jolly further defended his work on French broadcaster BFM, highlighting his desire to create a unifying event that celebrates the Republican values of liberty, equality and fraternity.

He reiterated that he never intended to disrespect religious beliefs. The organizers aimed to foster inclusivity and reconciliation, despite the backlash from some groups. They maintain that their intention was never to disrespect any religious beliefs.