The inclusion of a drag queen parody of the Last Supper during the Paris 2024 opening ceremonies has ignited a firestorm of controversy, culminating in the loss of an American sponsor.

Olympic organizers' decision to feature the performance has led to backlash from religious groups and political figures, resulting in a public debate on artistic freedom versus respect for religious sentiments and the suspension of ads by corporate sponsor C-Spire, as Breitbart reports.

C-Spire’s Response to the Performance

On Friday, the Paris 2024 opening ceremony featured a performance that sparked significant controversy. The artistic program included a drag queen parody of the Last Supper, an iconic Christian scene. This performance quickly drew the ire of various religious and political leaders.

Following the event, C-Spire, a telecommunications company based in Mississippi, announced its decision to withdraw advertising from the Olympics. The company shared a statement on Facebook on Saturday expressing their disapproval.

"We were shocked by the mockery of the Last Supper during the opening ceremonies of the Paris Olympics. C Spire will be pulling its advertising from the Olympics," the company stated.

Mississippi Governor’s Comment

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves offered his support for C-Spire's decision. He praised the company’s stance, calling it a demonstration of appropriate values.

“I am proud to see the private sector in Mississippi step up and put their foot down,” Reeves stated. “God will not be mocked. C Spire drew a common-sense, appropriate line.”

Reaction from French Religious Authorities

French bishops also condemned the performance. They described the ceremony as a derision of Christianity and expressed solidarity with Christians who felt offended by what they perceived as outrageous.

The bishops stated, "We express our solidarity with Christians on all continents who have been hurt by the outrageousness and provocation." Their condemnation underscored the sensitivity of the matter for many observing the ceremony.

French Politician’s Critique

Political reactions in France were similarly charged. French politician Marion Maréchal criticized the performance, suggesting it did not reflect the values of the country.

“To all the Christians of the world who are watching the Paris 2024 ceremony and felt insulted,” Maréchal commented, “know that it is not France that is speaking, but a left-wing minority ready for any provocation.”

The Artistic Director’s Defense

Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the opening ceremony, defended the performance, explaining it was intended to promote inclusion. Jolly emphasized that the goal was not to offend, but rather to celebrate diversity.

“Our idea was inclusion. Naturally, when we want to include everyone and not exclude anyone, questions are raised,” Jolly explained. “Our subject was not to be subversive. We never wanted to be subversive. We wanted to talk about diversity. Diversity means being together. We wanted to include everyone, as simple as that," the director added.

Artistic Freedom in France

Jolly further highlighted the importance of artistic freedom in France. “In France, we have freedom of creation and artistic freedom. We are lucky in France to live in a free country,” he added.

His statements reflect the broader conversation about the balance between artistic expression and respect for religious beliefs.

Public and Political Discourse

The debate has quickly escalated, involving not only religious and political figures but also the general public. Social media platforms have become arenas of intense discussion on the matter.

Many users expressed their support for C-Spire’s decision, while others defended the performance as a legitimate artistic expression. The public discourse mirrors the complexities of balancing inclusive art with reverence for religious traditions.

Conclusion

The Olympic organizers' decision to feature a drag queen parody of the Last Supper during the Paris 2024 opening ceremonies has sparked widespread controversy. The performance led to the withdrawal of advertising by C-Spire, a telecommunications company from Mississippi, and drew sharp criticism from religious and political figures.

French bishops condemned the event as mockery, while Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves endorsed C-Spire’s decision as appropriate. French politician Marion Maréchal critiqued the performance as unrepresentative of France. In contrast, Thomas Jolly defended it as a celebration of inclusion and diversity.

The controversy has ignited a broader debate about the balance between artistic freedom and respect for religious sensibilities, a discussion that continues to reverberate through public and political spheres.