Paris 2024: Organizers Apologize for ‘The Last Supper
Paris Olympics organizers have issued an apology to anyone offended by a scene at the glamorous opening ceremony on Sunday that resembled Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” They also defended the concept behind it.
Leonardo da Vinci’s painting depicts the moment when Jesus Christ declares that one of his apostles will betray him. The scene from Friday’s ceremony featured DJ and producer Barbara Butch, an LGBTQ+ icon, flanked by drag performers and dancers.
Religious figures around the world have criticized the scene. The French Catholic Church’s bishops’ conference condemned the “scenes of derision,” stating they mocked Christianity. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova echoed this sentiment, and Egypt’s Anglican Communion expressed “deep regret,” suggesting the ceremony could undermine the IOC’s sporting identity and humanist message.
Thomas Jolly, the ceremony’s artistic director, distanced himself from any parallels with “The Last Supper” after the ceremony. He explained that the scene was intended to celebrate diversity and pay homage to the feast and French gastronomy. Jolly said he drew inspiration from the “Festin des Dieux” or Banquet of the Gods by Dutch painter Jan Harmensz van Bijlert.
At an International Olympic Committee news conference on Sunday, Paris 2024 spokeswoman Anne Descamps addressed the outcry. She emphasized that there was no intention to disrespect any religious group. “On the contrary, with Thomas Jolly, we tried to celebrate community tolerance,” Descamps said. “Given the results of the surveys we shared, we believe this ambition has been achieved. If people were offended, we are, of course, really, really sorry.”
Mr. Jolly further explained his intentions to The Associated Press after the ceremony. “My intention is not to be subversive or to mock or shock,” he said. “I wanted to send a message of love, a message of inclusion, and not a message of division at all.”
