Olympic officials have issued an apology following backlash from a religious group and viewers who were offended by the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The ceremony, which included a controversial performance with dancers in headless costumes and a nearly naked man painted blue portraying the Greek god Dionysus, was intended to be a grand pagan celebration linked to the gods of Olympus. However, many perceived the act as mocking Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” and viewed it as an attack on Christianity and Christian values.
Anne Descamps, a spokeswoman for the Paris 2024 Olympics, apologized, stating that there was no intention to disrespect any religious group. She expressed regret for any offense caused and emphasized that the ceremony was meant to unite people and reflect the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Theatre director Thomas Jolly, who choreographed the performance, reiterated that the goal was to create a unifying event and that there was no desire to mock or denigrate anyone.
The opening ceremony, which also featured depictions of headless Queen Marie Antoinette, sparked significant outrage online, with some viewers labeling it as “satanic.” Critics argued that the scenes displayed during the ceremony were inappropriate and offensive, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for an apology.
Despite the controversy, the organizers maintained that the performance aimed to celebrate cultural and historical elements while promoting inclusivity and unity. The apology and explanations highlight the delicate balance between artistic expression and cultural sensitivity in large-scale public events.
