C Spire Cuts Ties Following Opening Ceremony Outrage
Mississippi-based tech company C Spire has withdrawn its Olympic advertising after the Paris 2024 opening ceremony featured a controversial performance that many perceived as a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” The event, which included drag queens and dancers, sparked global outrage, prompting C Spire to act swiftly.
In a statement on social media platform X, C Spire announced, “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.” The company, however, did not disclose the specific ads or financial details involved.
Suzy Hays, President and CEO of C Spire, emphasized the company’s support for athletes but condemned the performance: “C Spire is supportive of our athletes who have worked so hard to be a part of the Olympics. However, we will not be a part of the offensive and unacceptable mockery of the Last Supper, which is why we’re pulling our advertising from the Olympics.”
Performance details and backlash
The opening ceremony performance, held against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine, began with three French drag queens and elaborately dressed dancers on a runway designed to evoke “The Last Supper.” A central figure, adorned with a large silver headdress resembling a halo, smiled and gestured heart shapes before leading the group into a choreographed routine.
Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the ceremony, defended the performance as a celebration of diversity and inclusion. “Our subject was not to be subversive. We wanted to talk about diversity. Diversity means being together,” Jolly stated at a press conference. He highlighted France’s artistic freedom and the right to express love and beliefs.
Religious and political reactions
Despite Jolly’s explanation, the performance drew sharp criticism from religious conservatives. Marion Maréchal, a practicing Catholic, expressed her discontent on X, stating, “To all the Christians of the world who are watching the #Paris2024 ceremony and felt insulted by this drag queen parody of the Last Supper, know that it is not France that is speaking but a left-wing minority ready for any provocation.”
Eduard Habsburg, Hungary’s ambassador to the Vatican, also criticized the performance, linking it to broader themes of disrespect towards Christian events.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves praised C Spire’s decision, stating, “I am proud to see the private sector in Mississippi put their foot down. God will not be mocked. C Spire drew a common-sense, appropriate line.”