Paris organizers defended the Olympics opening ceremony on Sunday amid backlash over the apparent mocking of The Last Supper during the performance.
The opening ceremony drew condemnation from American leaders, world leaders, Christian groups and athletes alike over its depiction of one of the most revered events in Christianity.
The ceremony’s segment appeared to resemble a depiction of The Last Supper, famously painted by Leonardo da Vinci.
The performance ensemble included drag queens, a transgender model and a naked singer who was stylized to resemble the Greek god Dionysus.
Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps spoke about it on Sunday.
“Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. (The opening ceremony) tried to celebrate community tolerance,” Descamps told reporters, via Reuters.
“We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offense, we are really sorry.”
Another French LGBT leader suggested the ceremony didn’t go far enough.
“We know in the LGBTQ community in France we are far from what the ceremony showed. There’s much progress to do in society regarding transgender people. It’s terrible that to legally change their identity they are forced to be on trial,” Inter-LGBT president James Leperlier said.
“If you saw the opening ceremony last night you’d think it was like that normally, but it’s not. France tried to show what it should be and not what it is.”
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker and former MLB star Roy Oswalt were among those who spoke out against the parody.
I’ve always looked forward to the Olympics. I was so excited when they split the Summer and Winter games, so I’d only have to wait two years for the next Olympics. That has all changed for me now. I will never ever watch another Olympic games. Can you imagine the outcry if other faiths were mocked? I am glad my children are grown adults, so I don’t have to worry about what they are being taught in school. I DO worry for my grandchildren though.
Should have let the germans have and keep france