New Delhi: Paris Olympics organisers tendered an apology to Catholics and other Christian groups on Sunday for a controversial opening ceremony but insisted they had no intention of showing disrespect to any religious group.
A group of dancers, drag queens and a DJ formed a tableau that resembled the famous painting of Leonardo Da Vinci, known as the ‘The Last Supper’.
It depicts what is believed to be the final meal of Jesus Christ with his apostles before crucifixion. It drew criticism from the Catholic Church and French bishops, who viewed the performance as “scenes of derision” and said it was a “mockery of Christianity” in the parade on Friday that was choreographed by theatre director Thomas Jolly.
Paris organisers said they were “really sorry” but said it was meant for inclusivity and tolerance towards all communities.
“Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. (The opening ceremony) tried to celebrate community tolerance,” Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps said at a press conference on Sunday, as quoted by Reuters.
“We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offence we are really sorry.”
🇫🇷 — 2024 World Olympics in Paris, now featuring drag queens depicting ‘The Last Supper.’
They do this to mock and humiliate you.
Follow: @FolkishObserver pic.twitter.com/RhkpOsf2AN
— Folkish Observer (@FolkishObserver) July 26, 2024
Jolly has also dismissed suggestions that he took inspiration from the Last Supper to produce the performance that lasted for nearly four hours under rain on the Seine river.
“We wanted to talk about diversity. Diversity means being together. We wanted to include everyone, as simple as that,” he had said on Saturday.
“The idea was to do a big pagan party linked to the gods of Olympus,” Jolly told the BFM channel on Sunday, as quoted by AFP.
“You’ll never find in my work any desire to mock or denigrate anyone. I wanted a ceremony that brings people together, that reconciles, but also a ceremony that affirms our Republican values of liberty, equality and fraternity.”
A group of dancers, drag queens and a DJ formed a tableau that resembled the famous painting of Leonardo Da Vinci, known as the ‘The Last Supper’, at the Paris Olympics that was criticised by reiligious groups Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
