The organizing committee of Paris 2024 has issued an apology to Catholics and other Christian groups who were offended by a scene during the opening ceremony. The performance featured a reenactment of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, but with drag queens, a transgender model, and a singer depicted as the Greek god of wine, Dionysus.
The organizers explained on X (formerly known as Twitter) that the parody, set against the backdrop of the River Seine, was intended to convey a message about "the absurdity of violence between human beings." However, the portrayal led to backlash from Catholics, Christian groups, and conservative politicians worldwide, who found the scene disrespectful.
"We never intended to offend any religious group," said Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps during a press conference. "The opening ceremony aimed to celebrate community tolerance, and we believe we achieved that goal. We apologize if anyone felt offended."
France has a rich Catholic heritage but is also known for its strong tradition of secularism and anti-clericalism, where blasphemy is legal and often seen as a vital aspect of free speech. Supporters of the performance praised its message of inclusivity and tolerance.
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