Controversial Olympics Opening Ceremony: Misunderstood Bacchanal or Blasphemous Last Supper?

The Paris Olympics opening ceremony has sparked significant controversy following a performance by drag queens that many interpreted as depicting Jesus Christ's Last Supper.

The scene in question featured a performer painted blue and surrounded by fruits, which some viewers saw as a parody of Leonardo Da Vinci’s iconic painting, where Jesus shares his final meal with his twelve apostles.

This portrayal led to widespread outrage on social media, with numerous individuals accusing the performers and the Olympic organizers of mocking Christianity. However, others have clarified that the performance was not intended to represent the Last Supper. Instead, it was meant to depict an ancient Greek Bacchanal, a Roman festival honoring Bacchus, the god of wine and revelry. Bacchanalia, as these festivals were also known, have their origins in Greek Dionysian festivals, which celebrated Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy.

Johnny Grimes, a Birmingham business owner and a graduate school attendee, was among those who clarified the performance's actual context. He posted on Facebook, explaining, “The scene in question was not a depiction of the Last Supper but rather an ancient Greek Bacchanal. This choice reflects the Olympics' historical roots in ancient Greece. A Bacchanalia is a celebration honoring Bacchus, the god of wine, also known as Dionysus in Greek mythology. These festivals were characterized by their exuberance and festivities, often lasting for several days.”

Other social media users echoed this clarification, emphasizing that the performance had no relation to the Last Supper. One user, @Author_PCorrell, humorously noted, “It took me a hot minute to figure it out (okay, like a day), but this is a Bacchanal. Papa Smurf there is Bacchus. The entire Internet can stop clutching their collective pearls. It has nothing to do with the Last Supper and everything to do with GREECE.”

Another user added, “It was a depiction of an ancient Greek Bacchanal… because, you know, the Olympics are ancient and Greek. Surprise! And if you didn’t know, a Bacchanalia is an uncontrollably promiscuous, extravagant, and loud party. The parties often spanned several days, honoring the god of wine, Bacchus (the blue guy covered in grapevine).”

Despite these clarifications, the debate continues online, with some still expressing discomfort over the performance. The controversy has been further fueled by the Twitter account Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24), which described the act as "Gratuitous blasphemy at the Olympics opening ceremony in Paris." They also pointed out that now deleted France TV referred to the scene as "la Cène," the French term for the Last Supper, seemingly confirming the "blasphemous" aspect of the portrayal.

As of now, the Olympics organizers have not released an official statement addressing the controversy.