The Vatican Responds To Olympic Drag Show Likened To ‘Last Supper’

Image via The Olympic Games

Holy smokes! The 2024 Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony has stirred up quite a divine controversy. It seems the event organizers may have bitten off more than they could chew with their avant-garde take on historical—and perhaps biblical—iconography.

The ceremony featured a performance that was perceived by many as a modern spin on Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. Instead of Jesus and his apostles, viewers were treated to a banquet presided over by drag queens. At the center of this tableau sat a figure adorned with a silver headdress, reminiscent of the halos often seen in religious paintings.

Initially, the artistic director behind the spectacle, Thomas Jolly, denied any intentional reference to da Vinci’s masterpiece, instead pointing its muse to the feast of the Greek god Dionysus. However, as the controversy gained momentum, another Olympics spokesperson stepped in to acknowledge a connection, as cited by the New York Post and TheWrap, and offered apologies to those who took offense.

The Vatican, not one to turn the other cheek in matters of religious representation, expressed its disappointment in a rare weekend press release. In French, The Holy See stated that the performance demonstrated a lack of consideration for religious convictions and was ill-suited for an event meant to celebrate shared global values.

In their statement, Vatican officials emphasized the importance of balancing freedom of expression with respect for diverse beliefs. They argued that while artistic liberty is not in question, it should be tempered by sensitivity to the convictions of others, particularly in a prestigious international setting like the Olympic Games. This performance, on the contrary, is “limited by respect for others,” they said.

[via Deadline, US Magazine, Newsweek, cover image via The Olympic Games]