Paris Olympics kicked off with a high-voltage gala that celebrated global cultures, but it didn't take long for controversy to be started. One of the segment in opening ceremony, perceived by many as a modern parody of Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper", provoked outrage among religious conservatives and Christian leaders worldwide. At the center of table was Barbara Butch, a prominent LGBTQ+ activist and French DJ.
A Modern Interpretation of 'The Last Supper'
Paris Olympics Organizer intended as a modern take on da Vinci's famous painting, featured Butch at the center of a long table surrounded by over 20 performers, including drag artists and dancers. Butch, wearing a silver headdress reminiscent of a halo, led the scene. While some praised the performance as a celebration of inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ community, others saw it as a pure mockery of a sacred Christian event.
Global Backlash and Apology
Religious bodies across the globe condemned the segment. The French Catholic Church’s conference of bishops expressed deep disappointment, with similar sentiments echoed by other religious organizations and political figures, including Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Archbishop Charles Scicluna, a high-ranking Catholic official, even reached out to France’s ambassador to Malta to express his concerns.
In response, Paris Olympics organizers issued an apology, emphasizing that there was no intention to offend any religious group. Anne Descamps, a spokesperson for Paris 2024, reiterated during an International Olympic Committee news conference that the segment aimed to celebrate community tolerance and diversity.
The Vision Behind the Tableau
Thomas Jolly, the ceremony’s artistic director, distanced the performance from any "Last Supper" parallels, explaining that the segment was meant to celebrate diversity and French gastronomy. He expressed regret over the misunderstanding, stating, "My wish isn’t to be subversive, nor to mock or to shock. I wanted to send a message of love, a message of inclusion".
Who is Barbara Butch?
Barbara Butch, the centerpiece of this Controversies, is a notable figure in the LGBTQ+ community. A self-proclaimed "love activist," Butch has built a career as a DJ and producer, advocating for diversity, inclusivity, and body positivity. Starting her career in Montpellier under the pseudonym "Scratcheuse de gazon," she moved to Paris and gained fame performing at venues like Rosa Bonheur and the Machine du Moulin Rouge.
Butch's activism extends beyond music; she is a vocal advocate for fat acceptance and has challenged traditional beauty standards. She was awarded the Out d'or 2021 for 'LGBTI personality of the year' by the French Association of LGBTI Journalists and has posed for the cover of Telerama magazine to promote body positivity. Raised in a traditional Jewish family, Butch's diverse background enriches her advocacy.
Mixed Reactions and Cultural Context
France's rich Catholic heritage contrasts with its tradition of secularism and freedom of speech, including blasphemy being legal. This duality explains the varied reactions to the segment. Supporters praised the segment for its inclusivity and tolerance message, while critics decried it as disrespectful and offensive.
An article in Avvenire, affiliated with the Catholic Church, criticized the ceremony for transforming a celebration of French culture into a platform for predictable ideologies. Matteo Salvini, leader of Italy's far-right League, called the segment "squalid," and many commentators saw the controversy as a manifestation of contemporary culture wars amplified by social media.
A Broader Cultural Commentary
The backlash extended beyond religious circles, with critics arguing that the performance was part of a broader trend of "ugly" public culture designed to provoke and shock rather than inspire. Eric S. Raymond highlighted this sentiment, tweeting about a compulsion to undermine traditional values in favor of a "depraved narcissism."
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Conclusion
The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, with its controversial modern interpretation of "The Last Supper," has sparked significant debate about the intersection of art, religion, and inclusivity. While the organizers have apologized for any offense caused, the global reaction underscores the complex cultural dynamics at play in contemporary public spectacles. As the Olympics continue, this incident serves as a reminder of the diverse perspectives and sensitivities that global events must navigate.
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