The Last Supper in Paris Olympics

The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics faced backlash from religious conservatives worldwide due to a tableau that evoked Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper', depicted with elements of Greek mythology and LGBTQ+ themes. Organizers, including artistic director Thomas Jolly, clarified that the intention was to celebrate Greek mythology and diversity, not to mock Christianity. However, the French Catholic bishops and other religious groups expressed their outrage, suggesting the performance undermined the IOC's humanitarian message. Paris 2024 organizers issued apologies for any offense caused while defending the creative concept as a tribute to feasting and French gastronomy. Amidst the controversy, they emphasized there was no intention of disrespect towards any religious group. The backlash highlights the challenges of balancing artistic expression with cultural sensitivities in a global event.