Barbara Butch's Bold Appearance on the Debilly Bridge
During Friday’s ceremony, a scene on the Debilly Bridge over the Seine included French DJ and producer Barbara Butch.
Source: @LibertyLockPod/X
Butch identifies as a “love activist” and wore a blue dress with a silver headdress.
Dionysus and the Runway Transformation
Flanked by drag queens, the scene transitioned to a nearly naked man painted in blue, representing Dionysus, on a dinner plate surrounded by food.
Source: @olympics/X
He then performed as the surrounding people danced, culminating in a runway scene with models.
Backlash Over Alleged Parody of "The Last Supper"
The depiction drew backlash, with many asserting it parodied “The Last Supper.”
Source: Wikimedia
This iconic painting shows Jesus Christ with his 12 apostles during his final meal, where he foretold his betrayal by one of them.
Global Condemnation from Christian and Catholic Groups
Numerous Christian and Catholic groups globally condemned the scene.
Source: Freepik
The French Bishops’ Conference, representing the country’s Catholic bishops, called it a “mockery and derision of Christianity,” expressing empathy for those “hurt by the outrageousness and provocation of certain scenes.”
Bishop Robert Barron Condemns the Scene
Bishop Robert Barron of Minnesota also expressed his opinion.
Source: Wikimedia
He remarked in a video that it ridiculed “a very central moment in Christianity.”
U.S. Speaker and C Spire React to Controversial Scene
U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson described the scene on social media as “shocking and insulting” to Christians.
Source: Wikimedia
Telecommunications provider C Spire also announced it would withdraw all advertising from the Olympics in response.
Artistic Director Clarifies Intent of Controversial Scene
Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the opening ceremony, clarified at the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) daily briefing.
Source: @SibaiSayyed/X
He stated that the scene was not intended to “be subversive or shock people or mock people.”
Dionysus Highlights Violence Absurdity
The official Olympic Games social media account explained that the blue figure, portrayed by French singer and actor Philippe Katerine, was Dionysus.
Source: Wikimedia
The portrayal aimed to highlight “the absurdity of violence between human beings.”
Jolly Denies "The Last Supper" Inspiration
In an interview with French TV station BFMTV on Sunday, Jolly denied that “The Last Supper” was his inspiration.
Source: @olympics/X
He stated, “The idea was to have a pagan celebration connected to the gods of Olympus. You will never find in me a desire to mock and denigrate anyone.”
Paris 2024 Spokesperson Apologizes
Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps apologized on Sunday to those offended, emphasizing that there was never an intention to disrespect any religious group.
Source: @iocmedia/X
“On the contrary, I think with Thomas Jolly, we really did try to celebrate community tolerance,” she said.
IOC Acknowledges Statement
Descamps continued, “Looking at the result of the polls that we shared, we believe that this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offense, we are, of course, really, really sorry.”
Source: Insidethegames
The IOC acknowledged Paris 2024’s apology on social media.