SALT LAKE CITY — The Paris Olympics opening ceremony on the Seine River, called “rule-breaking,” “crazy” and “woke” by various reports, has sparked criticism and shock among Utah leaders.
One aspect of the ceremony in question was a group of people on a catwalk over the Seine River that appeared to parody the iconic Christian painting, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. At the center was a woman wearing a large headdress and surrounded by drag queens and dancers, according to the Associated Press. Many of the people on the catwalk, as well as others throughout the show, were scantily clad.
“It was a 4-hour opening ceremony with lots of rain and apparently we missed a few things. I see a video of a blatant parody of a sacred event that my faith cherishes (Christ’s Last Supper). I look forward to the 2034 opening ceremonies (as they did in 2002) that showcase Utah values and our commitment to building family and community,” Gov. Spencer Cox, who is in Paris for the Olympics, said on X.
The opening was 4 hours long with lots of rain and apparently we missed a few things. I see a video of a blatant parody of a sacred event that my faith cherishes (Christ’s Last Supper). I can’t wait for the opening ceremonies to happen in 2034 (like 2002) to showcase Utah values… https://t.co/fEw9DbB5Ak
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) July 27, 2024
Utah was named the host state for the 2034 Winter Olympics on Wednesday. It’s just the fifth time the United States has hosted the Winter Olympics, and the first on American soil since Salt Lake City hosted them in 2002. The IOC also voted early Wednesday to officially award the 2030 Winter Olympics to France.
According to the AP, the woman at the center of the catwalk exhibit was DJ and producer Barbara Butch, “an LGBTQ+ icon who calls herself a ‘love activist.’” Opening Ceremony artistic director Thomas Jolly said he didn’t intend to parody “The Last Supper” but to celebrate “diversity,” “feasting and French gastronomy,” the outlet reports. Footage of the scene does not show any food or plates in front of the band, however.
Utah Sen. Mike Lee posted a side-by-side comparison of the grouping on the Seine and the Last Supper painting on X and asked, “Why?”
For what? pic.twitter.com/0t2YU27liN
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) July 26, 2024
“If this is emblematic of the countries the United States must defend under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, what do you think of America’s future with NATO,” he said, adding in another comment on the thread that “allies who mock what is sacred to us are not allies.”
He also called the display “deplorable.”
Political leaders were not the only ones to take offense at the ceremonies.
The French Catholic Church conference called the scenes “a mockery and derision of Christianity,” adding that “our thoughts go out to all Christians on all continents who have been hurt by the indignation and provocation of some of the scenes,” the AP reported.
Some have said the scene was instead meant to represent the festival of Dionysus, with the official Olympics page posting photos of the scene in question and stating: “The interpretation of the Greek god Dionysus makes us aware of the absurdity of violence between human beings.”
The photos show a person painted blue on a tray surrounded by flowers, sitting in front of the people at the table.
Utah Senate President Stuart Adams said on X: “The Olympics have long been a symbol of unity and celebration of athletes. However, the recent opening ceremony turned into a parody of religious beliefs, fostering division when solidarity is needed most.”
“The disrespect shown to the Last Supper is unacceptable and undermines the spirit of the Games, undermining the integrity of the event. The IOC members responsible for approving this measure should issue a public apology,” he said.
Like Cox, Adams stressed that Utah is committed to “showcasing Utah’s remarkable people, stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage” when it hosts the Games in 2034.
“We will honor the athletes’ achievements and create a lasting impact that will resonate and inspire audiences for generations to come,” he said.
The Olympic Games have long been a symbol of unity and celebration of athletes. However, the recent opening ceremony turned into a mockery of religious beliefs, fostering division when solidarity is most needed. The lack of respect for the Last Supper is unacceptable and an affront to human dignity.
— President J. Stuart Adams (@JStuartAdams) July 27, 2024
Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz also expressed disappointment with Friday’s ceremony, but focused on future Games in Utah.
“I am grateful that Utah is deciding what our ceremonies will look like. They will be a stark contrast to what we saw yesterday. For the 2034 Olympics, we look forward to our opening and closing ceremonies showcasing the best of Utah and our values, including our breathtaking landscapes, family values, heritage and the inspiration of sports that all Utahns will be proud of,” Schultz said on X.
The Olympic Games have long been a symbol of unity and celebration of athletes. However, the recent opening ceremony turned into a mockery of religious beliefs, fostering division when solidarity is most needed. The lack of respect for the Last Supper is unacceptable and an affront to human dignity.
— President J. Stuart Adams (@JStuartAdams) July 27, 2024
Utah Sen. Mitt Romney highlighted one part of the ceremonies that received more positive reviews.
“The @Paris2024 Opening Ceremony showcased the most beautiful city in the world. Imaginative, inventive and memorable. Celine Dion’s performance touched hearts. She embodied the Olympic spirit with her determination, courage and incomparable talent,” he posted on X.
THE @Paris2024 The Opening Ceremony showcased the most beautiful city in the world. Imaginative, inventive and memorable. Celine Dion’s performance touched hearts. She embodied the Olympic spirit with her determination, courage and incomparable talent. pic.twitter.com/5oRBPc9kgk
– Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) July 26, 2024
Contributing: Collin Leonard