Thomas Jolly, the queer artistic director behind the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, has addressed the backlash over a segment that many incorrectly interpreted as inspired by the ‘Last Supper’. The segment featured drag performers and was part of a broader display aiming to represent diverse communities.
In a previous interview with British Vogue, Jolly stated that the ceremony would be successful “if everyone feels represented in it.” However, following the event on 26 July, he faced a wave of criticism, particularly from right-wing figures.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk unfollowed the Olympics on X/Twitter, while Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump called the ceremony a “satanic drag show.”
Trump, often compared to Jesus by some of his supporters, jested that Jesus should become the next House Speaker. Controversial influencer Andrew Tate declared he was “boycotting the Olympics,” and broadcaster Piers Morgan described the event as a “drag queen mockery of the Last Supper.” Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker quoted a passage from Galatians, stating, “God cannot be mocked.”
Critics, including right-wing commentator Kyle Becker, labelled the ceremony a “woke dystopia.” Many focused their disapproval on a segment titled “festivity,” featuring French singer and actor Philippe Katerine as the god Dionysus, who appeared semi-naked and painted blue, performing on a banquet table.
The backlash was significant, with bishops and Catholic groups in France also condemning the performance. In response, Jolly clarified in an interview with BFMTV on 28 July that his inspiration was not Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting of the Last Supper, as speculated by French politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon and others.
“It’s not my inspiration,” Jolly stated, explaining that the figure of Dionysus, the Greek god of celebration and wine, was chosen for its symbolic connection to joy and festivity. He also noted the connection to the goddess Sequana, who is associated with the river Seine. Jolly emphasised that his intention was to create a ceremony that celebrated unity and reaffirmed the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Paris 2024 spokeswoman Anne Descampapologisedlogised, stating, “Clearly, there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. If people have taken any offence, we are, of course, really, really sorry.” The International Olympic Committee issued a similar apology to anyone who may have been offended by certain aspects of the ceremony.
