On social media, a viral video of the drag performance at the opening ceremony of the Olympics left viewers stunned and sparked debate.
The performance was criticized not only as the ‘worst opening ceremony ever’ but also for allegedly parodying ‘The Last Supper.’
Unexpected controversy at the 2024 Paris Olympics
The 2024 Paris Olympics began with an opening ceremony marked by both excitement and controversy.
On the internet, drag performances at the Olympics are an unusual performance during the opening ceremony that dominates discussions on social media.
In a departure from tradition, Paris chose to forgo a stadium setting for the opening ceremony. Instead, athletes and performers were showcased on barges traveling down the Seine River. This unique presentation aimed to celebrate the world’s top athletes in a grand display of international unity and peace.
A drag performance draws criticism on social media
On Twitter, the drag performance was widely shared and left viewers stunned. The footage featured a segment of the ceremony with a group of 18 drag performers.
This performance included one performer wearing a large headdress or crown, standing behind a low table. The official Olympics Twitter account described the act as an “interpretation of the Greek God Dionysus,” intended to highlight “the absurdity of violence between human beings.”
Many viewers were stunned by the drag performance at the Olympics opening ceremony, which sparked debate on social media.
One person said: We are so crippled by ignorance as an uneducated nation. I think I’ll start studying French.
A second wrote: I found it weird and long and boring and very bemused at what I was seeing.
While a third commented: Disappointed and disgusted, but not surprised. This filth is being forced on us at every level.
Another added: True , it was horrible and disturbing
Someone else said: If it pisses off people, I am all for it.
Drag Performance accused of offending as a ‘Parody of The Last Supper’
Additionally, many viewers took offense, accusing the performance of mocking Leonardo da Vinci’s famous fresco, The Last Supper. Some noted that the arrangement of performers around the table resembled the iconic depiction.
While, critics, including far-right French politician Marion Maréchal, condemned the performance as an “insult” to Christians worldwide.
Maréchal tweeted that the controversial depiction was a provocation from a “left-wing minority,” rather than a reflection of French values.
The performance sparked heated debates. While some call it “blasphemy” and an “abomination.” These reactions highlight the tension between artistic expression and cultural sensitivity.
One person said: Scripture tells us that not everyone will believe. It’s mockery, but they can’t hurt Christ with displays like this (other than Him feeling disappointment or sadness for them), or me, it just gives them one more thing to answer to when their knees are bowed before the Lord
A second wrote: I am not religious by any means, but blatantly disrespecting anyone’s religion and making a mockery of it on the world stage, that is pure evil.
While a third commented: Such a disrespectful and unnecessary attack. It doesn’t even have anything to do with sports. Shame on them.
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