Paris Olympics Organizers Apologize for Opening Ceremony Controversy

Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah
By
Paris Olympics Organizers Apologize for Opening Ceremony Controversy
Olympics Opening Ceremony
Written By : Ekow Adjei Mensah

The organizers of the Paris Olympics have issued an apology following a controversy surrounding the opening ceremony. The ceremony, which took place on Friday, July 26, featured a tableau that some viewers interpreted as a depiction of the LAST SUPPER. 

In a statement, the organizers clarified that the tableau was not intended to represent the LAST SUPPER, but rather a celebration of French culture and cuisine. They apologized for any offense caused and acknowledged that the interpretation was not entirely unfounded.

Da Vinci's painting depicts the moment when Jesus Christ declared that an apostle would betray him. The scene during Friday's ceremony on the DEBILLY BRIDGE featured DJ and producer Barbara Butch — an LGBTQ+ icon who calls herself a love activist.  Butch was wearing a silver headdress that looked like a halo as she got the party going on a footbridge across the Seine. Drag artistes, dancers and others flanked Butch on both sides.

The tableau in question featured a long table with 12 individuals seated at it, sparking comparisons to Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting of the LAST SUPPER. However, the organizers explained that the table was meant to represent a traditional French dining experience, with the 12 individuals symbolizing the 12 regions of France.

As CBS News correspondent Elaine Cobbe reports, the specific part of the ceremony that caused the offense was, in fact, a scene depicting Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. It was reportedly based on THE FEAST OF THE GODS, a 17th century painting by Dutch artist Jan Harmensz van Biljert that hangs in the MAGNIN MUSEUM, in Dijon, eastern France. The painting depicts an assembly of Greek gods on MOUNT OLYMPUS for a banquet to celebrate the marriage of Thetis and Peleus. The figure seated at the table in the center has a halo of light behind his head.

The Christian community was among those who took offense to the perceived depiction of the LAST SUPPER. Some viewers felt that the ceremony was disrespectful and insensitive to the significance of the LAST SUPPER in Christian tradition.

The organizers responded by emphasizing their respect for all cultures and religions. They acknowledged that the ceremony may have unintentionally caused offense and assured the public that it was not their intention to disrespect any particular group.

The opening ceremony was widely praised for its creativity and celebration of French culture. However, the controversy surrounding the tableau has somewhat marred the event's reception.

The organizers have promised to be more mindful of potential sensitivities in future events. They remain committed to showcasing the best of French culture while respecting the diversity of their audience.

The apology and clarification from the Paris Olympics organizers demonstrate a commitment of respect for all cultures and religions. While the controversy has sparked important discussions, it is essential to recognize the organizers' efforts to make amends and move forward.

Comments

MORE FROM
music

More From 3Music News

Wink Martindale, Beloved Game Show Host, Passes Away at 91
entertainment | culture | BY Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah | April 17th, 2025

Wink Martindale, Beloved Game Show Host, Passes Away at 91

The world of game shows is mourning the loss of a beloved icon, Wink Martindale, who passed away at the age of 91.

Michelle Trachtenberg's Cause of Death Revealed
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | BY Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah | April 17th, 2025

Michelle Trachtenberg's Cause of Death Revealed

Fans of the late actress Michelle Trachtenberg were shocked to hear about her sudden passing at the age of 39.

MrBeast Addresses Controversy Surrounding Las Vegas Event
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | BY Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah | April 17th, 2025

MrBeast Addresses Controversy Surrounding Las Vegas Event

YouTube personality MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has publicly apologized for a recent event in Las Vegas that drew widespread criticism.

Gayle King and Katy Perry Take A Historic 11-Minute Journey To Space.
music | entertainment | culture | BY Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah | April 17th, 2025

Gayle King and Katy Perry Take A Historic 11-Minute Journey To Space.

Gayle King and Katy Perry made history on April 14, 2025, as part of an all-female crew that launched into space aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket.

Kim Set to Testify in 2016 Paris Jewelry Heist Trial
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah | April 17th, 2025

Kim Set to Testify in 2016 Paris Jewelry Heist Trial

Kim Kardashian is slated to take the stand in a Paris court as part of the ongoing trial for the 2016 jewelry heist that targeted her.

Ibrahim Mahama to Transform Kunsthalle Bern with Monumental Jute Sack Installation
entertainment | culture | BY Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah | April 17th, 2025

Ibrahim Mahama to Transform Kunsthalle Bern with Monumental Jute Sack Installation

Renowned Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama is set to make a bold statement in the art world by wrapping Switzerland’s Kunsthalle Bern in jute sacks from April 30 to June 1, 2025.

Rocky Dawuni Shines at GRAMMYs On The Hill 2025 Future Forum
music | entertainment | culture | BY Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah | April 16th, 2025

Rocky Dawuni Shines at GRAMMYs On The Hill 2025 Future Forum

Ghanaian music icon and four-time GRAMMY nominee Rocky Dawuni captivated audiences as a featured speaker at the 2nd Annual Future Forum, the closing event of GRAMMYs On The Hill 2025.

SZA Launches NOT BEAUTY Lip Gloss Line Inspired by Her Signature Look
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | April 16th, 2025

SZA Launches NOT BEAUTY Lip Gloss Line Inspired by Her Signature Look

Grammy-winning artiste SZA has officially entered the beauty industry with the launch of her new brand, NOT BEAUTY, debuting with a trio of lip glosses inspired by her signature layered lip look

Wizkid’s Journey from Lagos to Global Stardom Chronicled in New Documentary
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | April 16th, 2025

Wizkid’s Journey from Lagos to Global Stardom Chronicled in New Documentary

Afrobeats superstar Wizkid is set to have his remarkable rise from the streets of Lagos to international acclaim documented in the upcoming film Wizkid: Long Live Lagos

3Music TV Launches Point Of View- A Bold New Digital Talk Show
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | April 16th, 2025

3Music TV Launches Point Of View- A Bold New Digital Talk Show

3Music TV has unveiled its latest digital talk show, Point Of View, hosted by the dynamic duo Jeffrey Adjetey (Eye Geezy) and Fahim Dumba (Fahim the Dream)

Coco Jones Unveils Tracklist for Debut Album Why Not More? Ahead of April 25 Release
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | April 16th, 2025

Coco Jones Unveils Tracklist for Debut Album Why Not More? Ahead of April 25 Release

Grammy-winning R&B artiste Coco Jones has officially revealed the tracklist for her highly anticipated debut album, Why Not More?, set to release on April 25th, 2025, via High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings

TLC’s Story Takes the Stage: CrazySexyCool Musical Premieres in Washington, D.C. Summer 2026
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | April 16th, 2025

TLC’s Story Takes the Stage: CrazySexyCool Musical Premieres in Washington, D.C. Summer 2026

The iconic R&B trio TLC—Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, and the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes—will have their groundbreaking journey brought to life in a new stage production titled CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical

More Similar Videos

No similar videos to show related to this post. Explore other sections.