The organizers of the Paris 2024 Olympics issued an apology on Sunday following criticism from various religious groups regarding the opening ceremony, which featured performances deemed offensive to Christianity.
The ceremony, choreographed by renowned theatre director Thomas Jolly, has sparked backlash for what some Catholic groups and French bishops described as “scenes of derision and mockery” of religious themes.
Controversy arose particularly from a segment that included dancers, drag queens, and a DJ posing in ways reminiscent of the Last Supper, the iconic biblical scene depicting Jesus’ final meal with his apostles.
Paris 2024 spokeswoman Anne Descamps addressed the concerns, stating, “Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. If people have taken any offence, we are of course really, really sorry.”
Jolly, who directed the nearly four-hour production that unfolded along the Seine amid heavy rain, denied any direct inspiration from the Last Supper.
He asserted that the aim of the performance was to promote tolerance and celebrate diverse sexual and gender identities. “The idea was to do a big pagan party linked to the gods of Olympus,” he explained during an interview with BFM television.
The ceremony showcased several provocative elements, including a striking segment featuring a woman holding a bloodied severed head, intended to represent Marie Antoinette at the window of the Conciergerie, where she was imprisoned before her execution during the French Revolution. Jolly clarified that the intent was not to glorify the guillotine, a symbol of death during that tumultuous era.
Despite the controversy, early audience reactions appear to have been favorable. Descamps referenced a poll conducted by Harris survey group, which indicated that a significant majority of the French public viewed the opening ceremony positively. Coverage from media outlets also showed strong viewership numbers, with NBC reporting the event marked the most-watched Olympic opening since London 2012, and German broadcaster ARD claiming it was the highest-rated in two decades.
As the Olympic Games continue, the organizers face the challenge of balancing artistic expression with cultural sensitivities. Around 700,000 spectators are expected to attend events in Paris on Sunday, marking a vibrant continuation of the festivities despite the discussions surrounding the opening ceremony.
As Paris 2024 aims to unite nations through sport, the officials’ commitment to dialogue surrounding these artistic representations is essential in fostering an inclusive atmosphere for all participants and viewers during the Games.
