The Paris Summer Olympics opening ceremony featured a controversial depiction of the Last Supper. A scene with a lesbian DJ, drag queens, and a wardrobe malfunction sparked outrage among Christian critics.
Jenkins Defends Artistic Expression
Washington Post columnist Sally Jenkins defended the artistic director, Thomas Jolly. She claimed the scene represented a Greek pagan feast, not Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” Jenkins argued that the scene was misinterpreted by Christian critics and praised Jolly for his ability to see and frame faces with interest rather than hostility. She referenced theologian Frederick Buechner to support her view that art and Christianity are not at odds.
Paris Olympics spokesperson Anne Deschamps apologized for any offense caused, insisting the scene aimed to celebrate community tolerance, not to disrespect any religious group. Thomas Jolly explained that the controversial scene was meant to portray a pagan feast celebrating the Gods of Olympus and was not intended to mock Christian beliefs.
Christian Leaders React
Brent Leatherwood of the Southern Baptist Convention expressed outrage, stating that the scene was grossly offensive to Christians. He criticized the IOC for allowing such a display at a global event. Leatherwood urged the IOC to implement protocols to prevent similar incidents in future Olympics, suggesting consulting religious leaders before approving presentations with religious symbolism.
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WaPo columnist claims artist behind Olympics Last Supper is ‘truer worshiper’ than Christian critics
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