Paris Olympics organizers apologize for controversial opening ceremony tableau
PARIS (AP) — Paris Olympics organizers apologized Sunday for any offense caused by a tableau during the opening ceremony that evoked Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” The scene, featuring LGBTQ+ icon DJ Barbara Butch flanked by drag artists and dancers, aimed to celebrate diversity but drew criticism from religious conservatives. The French Catholic Church and other religious groups expressed their disapproval, calling the segment disrespectful to Christianity.
The ceremony’s artistic director, Thomas Jolly, and Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps emphasized that the intention was to celebrate community tolerance and inclusion. Descamps expressed regret for any offense caused, reaffirming their goal of promoting love and unity.
