Paris Olympics Organizers Apologize for Opening Ceremony Performance
Subtle nod to Da Vinci's painting draws ire
PARIS (AP) — Organizers of the 2024 Paris Olympics apologized to anyone who was offended by a tableau that evoked Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper during the Opening Ceremony on Friday. The performance, which featured drag queens, was criticized by church leaders and conservative politicians for a perceived lack of respect for religious beliefs.
The performance, which featured drag queens, was criticized by church leaders and conservative politicians for a perceived lack of respect for religious beliefs.
The queens were joined by dozens of other models and performers in a rendition that many online thought resembled da Vinci's The Last Supper. The performance was part of a larger segment that celebrated the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. However, some viewers found the performance to be disrespectful and offensive.
In a statement, the Paris Olympics Organizing Committee said that it "regrets that some people were offended by the performance" and that it "would like to apologize to anyone who was hurt or offended." The committee also said that it "respects the diversity of opinions" and that it "is committed to ensuring that the Olympic Games are a welcoming and inclusive event for all."
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