The actor who portrayed the Greek god Dionysus during the Paris Olympics opening ceremony has addressed the controversy ignited by the performance.
The tableau, featuring 18 performers, including drag artists, depicted a Bacchanalian scene centered around Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. The scene swiftly provoked online outrage, with many interpreting it as a mockery of Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
Outrage and Criticism
Among the critics was Piers Morgan, who expressed his disapproval on social media: “What the f**k was all this about? A drag queen mockery of the Last Supper at the Olympics?
Would they have mocked any other religion like this? Appalling decision.” Others labeled the performance as “FULL BLOWN SATANIC” and “spiritual warfare,” with some even comparing Dionysus’ look to a “blue scrotum.”
In a significant response, Mississippi-based tech company C Spire decided to pull all their advertising from the Olympics over the performance.
They stated on X: “We were shocked by the mockery of the Last Supper during the opening ceremonies of the Paris Olympics. C Spire will be pulling our advertising from the Olympics.”
Philippe Katerine responds
Philippe Katerine, the actor who played Dionysus, has since spoken out, embracing the controversy. In an interview with French outlet BFM TV, Katerine remarked, “It wouldn’t be fun if there were no controversy. Wouldn’t it be boring if everyone agreed on this planet?”
Organizers clarify intent
Event organizers have clarified that the performance was not intended to reference Christianity, but rather to pay homage to Ancient Greek mythology and the origins of the Olympics. Eagle-eyed viewers noted that there were 17 performers behind the table, excluding Dionysus, while The Last Supper famously depicts only 13 figures – Jesus and his 12 disciples.
Thomas Jolly, the ceremony’s artistic director, explained to BFM, “The idea was to do a big pagan party linked to the gods of Olympus. You’ll never find in my work any desire to mock or denigrate anyone. I wanted a ceremony that brings people together, reconciles, and affirms our Republican values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.”
Apology and defense
Paris 2024 spokeswoman Anne Descamps reaffirmed that there was no intent to offend any religious group. She told reporters, “Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. On the contrary, I think Thomas Jolly did try to intend to celebrate community tolerance. We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offence, we of course are really sorry.”
It is worth noting that Da Vinci’s The Last Supper has been parodied countless times in popular culture. It has been used to promote TV shows like The Sopranos and South Park, with Jesus and the Apostles often replaced by characters from various franchises, including Star Wars.
