Paris Olympics organizers have apologized for a controversial depiction resembling Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” at the 2024 opening ceremony, which featured LGBTQ+ performers and sparked global outrage from religious leaders.

Paris, France – The Paris Olympics organizers issued an apology to those offended by a scene at the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony that resembled Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” The depiction, which featured DJ and LGBTQ+ icon Barbara Butch with drag performers and dancers, aimed to celebrate diversity but sparked global criticism for its perceived disrespect towards Christianity.

Religious leaders worldwide, including the French Catholic Church and Egypt’s Anglican Communion, condemned the scene, expressing concern that it mocked Christian beliefs and detracted from the Olympics’ humanist message. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also voiced disapproval.

Thomas Jolly, the ceremony’s artistic director, distanced the performance from any intentional resemblance to “The Last Supper,” explaining that his inspiration came from Jan Harmensz van Bijlert’s “Festin des Dieux” (Banquet of the Gods) and aimed to honor diversity and French gastronomy. Jolly emphasized his intent was to promote love and inclusion, not to offend or divide.

Anne Descamps, spokesperson for Paris 2024, addressed the controversy at an International Olympic Committee news conference, stating that there was no intention to disrespect any religious group. She reiterated that the goal was to celebrate community tolerance and apologized for any offense caused, highlighting the organizers’ commitment to inclusivity.

The organizers defended the concept behind the performance, insisting it was designed to promote unity and tolerance, despite the backlash it received.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has condemned the Paris Summer Olympics opening ceremony, labeling it a “disgrace” due to a scene critics argue parodied Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” Speaking on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” Trump, the Republican presidential candidate for the November 5 general elections, expressed his disapproval, saying, “I thought that the opening ceremony was a disgrace, actually. I thought it was a disgrace.”

Trump added, “I am very open-minded. But I think what they did was a disgrace.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson also criticized the event, stating, “Last night’s mockery of the Last Supper was shocking and insulting to Christian people around the world who watched the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.” He further remarked on X, “The war on our faith and traditional values knows no bounds today. But we know that truth and virtue will always prevail. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”