'Mockery Of The Last Supper': US Telco Removes Ads From Paris Olympics Over Drag Show Outrage

Amid criticism of a tableau reminiscent of the ‘Last Supper’, which was presented by drag queens at the opening ceremony, an American telecommunications company pulled its advertising from the Paris Olympics saying it is “shocked by the mockery” of Christianity.

“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 said in a post on X.

C Spire is the sixth-largest wireless provider in the US. Mississippi governor Tate Reeves said he is proud that the private sector is taking a stand when it comes to such issues. “I am proud to see the private sector in Mississippi step up and put their foot down. God will not be mocked. C Spire drew a common-sense, appropriate line,” he said in a post on X.

In an unprecedented display of inclusivity, drag queens took centre stage at the opening ceremony, showcasing the vibrant and influential role of the French LGBTQ+ community. But, they also attracted widespread criticism over the tableau that was a scene that seemed to evoke Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’. It featured the drag queens and other performers in a configuration reminiscent of Jesus Christ and his apostles. This segment drew significant attention — and mixed reactions.

Held along the Seine River, the spectacular four-hour event featured global stars such as Celine Dion and Lady Gaga, both considered queer icons. The ceremony blended historic and modern French culture with a touch of kitsch, culminating in a flotilla of barges carrying thousands of Olympians.

Nicky Doll, known for competing on the 12th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and hosting Drag Race France, took part in a high-octane fashion runway segment along with Season 1 winner Paloma, Season 3’s Piche, and Giselle Palmer. Initially, they stood alongside the runway, gazing fiercely at the strutting models. Later, they joined in, showcasing their own style.

Le Filip, the recent winner of Drag Race France expressed their positive “surprise” and “pride” at the ceremony’s scale and representation. “I thought it would be a five-minute drag event with queer representation. I was amazed. It started with Lady Gaga, then we had drag queens, a huge rave, and a fire in the sky,” they said. “It felt like a crowning all over again. I am proud to see my friends and queer people on the world stage.”

“The (French) government knows what it’s doing. They want to show themselves in the best way possible. They showed no restraints in expression,” Le Filip told The Associated Press.

On the other hand, prominent far-right politician Marion Maréchal denounced the performance on social media. “To all the Christians of the world who are watching the Paris 2024 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,” she posted on X, a sentiment that was echoed by religious conservatives internationally.

“… because decapitating Habsburgs and ridiculising central Christian events are really the FIRST two things that spring to mind when you think of #OlympicGames,” Eduard Habsburg, Hungary’s ambassador to the Vatican, posted on X, also referencing a scene depicting the beheading of Marie Antoinette.

Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the opening ceremony, afterward drew attention away from ‘The Last Supper’ references, saying that had not been his intention.

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