Trump rips Paris Olympics opening ceremony over ‘Last Supper’ controversy: ‘A disgrace’
Former President Donald Trump ripped the Paris Olympics opening ceremony over a controversial performance that critics say made a mockery of "The Last Supper."
Former President Donald Trump joined a chorus of critics condemning the Paris Olympics opening ceremony for a controversial performance that many perceived as a mocking depiction of the Last Supper, offending Christians worldwide. In an appearance on Fox News' "The Ingraham Angle," Trump labeled the performance as an offensive "disgrace."
The segment in question featured a group of drag performers and artists seated at a table with French DJ and lesbian activist Barbara Butch, adorned with a halo-like headpiece, as they floated down the Seine on a boat. While the ceremony's artistic director, Thomas Jolly, claimed inspiration from Greek mythology and the Feast of Dionysus, the resemblance to Leonardo da Vinci's renowned "Last Supper" painting was striking and provocative to many Christians.
Christian viewers, including the French Catholic Church's conference of bishops, were quick to express their outrage. They interpreted the performance as an act of derision and mockery of their faith. House Speaker Mike Johnson also weighed in, characterizing the incident as part of a broader "war" on Christian faith and traditions.
In response to the backlash, Olympic organizers apologized for any offense caused and denied any intention to disrespect religious beliefs. Spokesperson Anne Descamps emphasized their goal was to celebrate community and tolerance. However, critics like Trump remained unimpressed, underscoring the distasteful nature of the performance and its potential to alienate and offend a significant portion of the global audience.
The incident sparked intense debate, reflecting the ongoing tensions between artistic expression, religious sensitivities, and the challenges of navigating diverse cultural perspectives in a global event like the Olympics.
The segment in question featured a group of drag performers and artists seated at a table with French DJ and lesbian activist Barbara Butch, adorned with a halo-like headpiece, as they floated down the Seine on a boat. While the ceremony's artistic director, Thomas Jolly, claimed inspiration from Greek mythology and the Feast of Dionysus, the resemblance to Leonardo da Vinci's renowned "Last Supper" painting was striking and provocative to many Christians.
Christian viewers, including the French Catholic Church's conference of bishops, were quick to express their outrage. They interpreted the performance as an act of derision and mockery of their faith. House Speaker Mike Johnson also weighed in, characterizing the incident as part of a broader "war" on Christian faith and traditions.
In response to the backlash, Olympic organizers apologized for any offense caused and denied any intention to disrespect religious beliefs. Spokesperson Anne Descamps emphasized their goal was to celebrate community and tolerance. However, critics like Trump remained unimpressed, underscoring the distasteful nature of the performance and its potential to alienate and offend a significant portion of the global audience.
The incident sparked intense debate, reflecting the ongoing tensions between artistic expression, religious sensitivities, and the challenges of navigating diverse cultural perspectives in a global event like the Olympics.