Paris LOC apologises to Christians over ‘offensive segment’ of Olympics opening ceremony
The organisers of the Paris Olympics have apologised over some scenes from the event’s opening ceremony that have been described as a mockery of Christianity.
The Paris Olympics opening ceremony was held on Friday on the River Seine.
Boats ferried participating countries in parades over the body of water, and the event featured musical performances and artistic expressions from various acts.
A particular segment entitled “Festivity” had a group of dancers and drag queens sitting in poses that reimagined the depictions of Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting of the biblical Last Supper, the final meal of Jesus with his apostles.
The scene stirred negative reactions from Christians on social media.
The French Bishop Conference condemned the scenes as a “derision” of the religion which “hurt” Christians across the world.
However, reacting to the backlash, at a press conference on Sunday, Anne Descamps, Paris Olympics spokesperson, said there was no intention “to show disrespect to any religious group.”
She added that the ceremony tried to “celebrate community tolerance” and “if people have taken any offence, we are really sorry”.
“Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. (The opening ceremony) tried to celebrate community tolerance,” Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps told a press conference,” she said.
“We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offence we are really sorry.”
On Saturday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) also apologised for the mishap that led to the announcers erroneously mistaking the South Korean contingent for North Korea at the opening ceremony.
