Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony Performance Draws Criticism from Church
Olympic Ceremony's Last Supper Sketch Never Meant to Disrespect, Says Paris 2024
WEB | July 28, 2024 | Updated 12:23 PM
A performance during the Paris Olympics opening ceremony on Friday has drawn criticism from the church. Olympic ceremony organizers have apologized to anyone who was offended by a tableau during the opening ceremony that critics said mocked the Last Supper. While many said it resembled the Last Supper, the official Olympics account said it was an interpretation of a Greek God.
The performance, which featured actors dressed as Jesus and his apostles, was seen by some as disrespectful to the Christian faith. The Archdiocese of Paris issued a statement saying that it was "deeply saddened and shocked" by the performance.
"The Last Supper is a sacred moment in the Christian tradition," the statement said. "To use it as a mockery is not only disrespectful but also hurtful to many people."
The Paris Olympics organizers have since apologized for the performance. In a statement, they said that they "regret any offense that may have been caused."
"The tableau was not intended to be disrespectful," the statement said. "It was intended to be a celebration of the diversity of cultures and religions that will come together in Paris for the Olympic Games."
The Olympic Games are scheduled to begin in Paris on July 26, 2024.
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