The Vatican expressed its disappointment over certain scenes from the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, which it claimed offended Christians. The controversy centers around a segment featuring dancers and drag queens that some viewers felt resembled depictions of the Last Supper, a significant Christian icon.
The Holy See stated, “In a prestigious event where the whole world comes together around common values, there should not be allusions ridiculing the religious beliefs of many people.” The statement emphasized that while freedom of expression is important, it should not come at the expense of respecting others’ beliefs.
The segment, titled “Festivity,” included a long table with dancers and drag queens, which was intended to represent a pagan feast led by the Greek god Dionysus. Despite this explanation from organizers, criticism has been widespread.
The controversy has drawn responses from global figures, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, former US President Donald Trump, and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, all condemning the portrayal as a mockery of Christianity.
The show’s artistic director, Thomas Jolly, defended the performance as a message of love and inclusion. The Games’ organizing committee spokesperson, Anne Descamps, apologized for any offense caused.