Several media outlets seemed to commend the drag queens’ interpretation of “The Last Supper” during the Paris Olympics, which received significant backlash from conservative critics.
“In a groundbreaking exhibition of inclusivity, drag queens were front and center at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, highlighting the vibrant and significant role of the French LGBTQ+ community — while also igniting controversy over a representation reminiscent of ‘The Last Supper,’” reported the Associated Press.
The ensemble of drag queens appeared to depict the iconic “Last Supper” scene famously painted by Leonardo da Vinci, illustrating Jesus and his apostles at their final meal before the crucifixion.
The Associated Press’ article was picked up by both ABC News and The Washington Post.
Delegates arrive at the Trocadero during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on July 26, 2024, with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop. ((Photo by Loic VENANCE / POOL / AFP) (Photo by LOIC VENANCE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images))
The performance received accolades from NBC News Chicago as a stunning “showcase of inclusivity” at the Paris Olympic Games.
“Inclusivity took the spotlight at the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony as vibrant lights shone, Olympic teams’ flags floated over the Seine River, and drag queens mesmerized the audience,” reported the local affiliate.
NBC News characterized the performance as “unabashed,” while also addressing the criticism surrounding the portrayal of “The Last Supper.”
PARIS OLYMPIC FLAME RELAY ROUTE FEATURES 3 DRAG QUEEN TORCH BEARERS
“Last night’s parody of the Last Supper was both shocking and disrespectful to Christian viewers worldwide who tuned into the Olympic Games opening ceremony,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., in a post on X. “The ongoing assault on our faith and traditional values knows no limits. Yet, we trust that truth and virtue will ultimately win out.”
A panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower bearing the Olympic rings alongside the national flags of competing countries from the Place du Trocadero before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 21, 2024, in Paris, France. (Photo by Kevin Voigt/Getty Images) (Kevin Voigt, Getty Images)
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Jillian Michaels was also among the critics of the performance.
“Dear LGBTQ+ community… We seek tolerance and respect, yet we mock something sacred to over 2 billion Christians,” Michaels expressed in a post on X.
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“This kind of hypocrisy and lack of awareness is unfortunate. We express outrage when the far right attacks us, yet we engage in this behavior. How do you expect them to respond to the LGBTQ+ community following this? This is NOT how we dismantle barriers; it only serves to reinforce them,” she concluded.
Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.
