Here's the Latest on "The Last Supper" Controversy at the 2024 Olympics

The 2024 Paris Olympics officially commenced on July 26 with a star-studded and stunning Opening Ceremony featuring performances by Lady Gaga, Aya Nakamura, and Céline Dion, who made an emotional return to the stage after being diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome in 2022. The Opening Ceremony also included a tableau of drag queens and dancers that unintentionally resembled Leonardo da Vinci's iconic Renaissance painting, "The Last Supper," which drew in mixed reactions. While some applauded the Olympics for celebrating queer visibility and LGBTQ+ inclusivity, others felt offended by the perceived use of religious imagery, and now a spokesperson for Paris 2024 has apologized. It truly was a ???????????? time to be scrolling through social feeds, so allow us to break down what's going on.

Why were people upset at the perceived "Last Supper" reference at the Olympics Opening Ceremony?

According to Reuters, some Christian groups felt offended by the use of religious imagery—in this case, Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper," though the Olympics clarified any resemblance to the painting was unplanned—during the Opening Ceremony. A group of drag performers, a trans model, and nude singer Philippe Katerine posed in front of a tableau that slightly resembled the Renaissance painting. In case you need a refresher, the original painting showcases Jesus and his apostles sharing a meal before Jesus was crucified.

Why was "The Last Supper" referenced at the Opening Ceremony?

Long story short: the painting isn't actually the correct reference. While the Olympics performance may have invoked da Vinci's painting for some viewers, the setup was actually inspired by Dionysus, the Greek god of wine-making, fruitfulness, and ecstasy, per the official social media accounts for the Olympics.

"Dionysus arrives at the table because he is the Greek God of celebration and that sequence is called ‘festivity,’" Thomas Jolly, the director of the Opening Ceremony, explained during an interview with BFMTV on Sunday, July 28, per CNN. "The God of wine, which is also a French jewel and father of Sequana, the Goddess linked to the River Seine. The idea was to create a big pagan party in link with the God of Mount Olympus—and you will never find in me, or in my work, any desire of mocking anyone."

Even so, some folks took to social media to note da Vinci's iconic art piece has been referenced across pop culture many times before the 2024 Paris Olympics.

What have Olympic organizers and performers said since the Opening Ceremony?

Though the performance wasn't based on "The Last Supper," Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps apologized if people have taken offense. "Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. On the contrary, I think that Thomas Jolly really tried to celebrate community tolerance," she said at a press conference. "We believe that this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offense, we are really sorry."

Philippe Katerine—who was naked and painted blue during the performance, JFYI—said he was proud of his contribution to the Opening Ceremony. "I was proud of it because it's my culture. We are full of different people and each person lives in their own way and above all has the right to do so. I loved doing it," he said, adding, "If we are naked, there is no war because there are no weapons."

Philippe was joined on stage by the third season winner of Drag Race France, Le Filip, who told the Associated Press they were "amazed" by the Opening Ceremony. "I thought it would be a five-minute drag event with queer representation. I was amazed. It started with Lady Gaga, then we had drag queens, a huge rave, and a fire in the sky. It felt like a crowning all over again," Le Filip said. "I am proud to see my friends and queer people on the world stage."

You Might Also Like

• Here’s What NOT to Wear to a Wedding

• Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You’ll Ever Try