Catholics, Vatican officials react to controversial Olympic ceremony
This scene during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris, July 26, was meant to represent the Greek gods during a banquet, according to organizers. (Video screengrab)
Catholic leaders along with a host of other Christian groups voiced outrage following the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris over a scene starring drag performers and French entertainers that many interpreted as a parody of Jesus’ Last Supper.
Organizers have since apologized for the ceremony, while the creative director of the controversial scene, Thomas Jolly, said the Last Supper was not among his inspirations and that it was meant to represent the Greek gods during a banquet.
The tableau featured artists in drag, representing diverse cultural backgrounds, posed behind a long dining table while a woman wearing an ornate silver halo stood in the middle. Singer and actor Philippe Katerine emerged painted blue on a silver platter and adorned with grapes.
