The Paris Olympics 2024, also known as Paris 2024, Olympics 2024 or Paris 2024 Olympics, began with a grand opening in the City of Love and Lights. Over 10,000 athletes from more than 200 countries are participating in the 2024 Summer Games. Even though there were some safety concerns and controversies in the days leading up to the event, the biggest controversy took place during the opening ceremony. During the Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony, a scene was performed that resembled Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, ‘The Last Supper.’ This scene has been labelled as the ‘Last Supper Act.’ The modern re-creation took place against the backdrop of the River Seine. However, there were some changes. Instead of Jesus, it was LGBTQ+ activist Barbara Butch at the centre, while the apostles were portrayed by queer and trans figures. French actor and singer Philippe Katerine appeared as one of the apostles, painted in blue and wearing minimal clothing, with flowers covering his modesty. This performance received mixed reactions. Some fans appreciated its boldness, but it caused an outrage among religious conservatives and those with staunch Christian beliefs. The act was also described as satanic and overly pagan. ‘The Last Supper’ refers to the final meal that Jesus Christ shared with his 12 apostles before his crucifixion. It is a popular subject in Christian art. It captures the apostles’ reactions to Jesus’ announcement of his betrayal. Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremony: Artistic Director Thomas Jolly Plans to Capture the Essence of France in Curtain Raiser Event.

Paris Olympics 2024 Last Supper Act Team and Actors

Who were the brains behind the Paris Olympics 2024 'Last Supper Act?' The core team included Thomas Jolly, the Creative Director; Maud Le Pladec, a dancer and choreographer; Victor Le Masne, composer and musical director; and Daphne Burki, a stylist. In an interview, Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the opening ceremony, explained their intentions. He said that they wanted to include everyone and exclude no one. There was no specific message they were trying to deliver. Jolly emphasised that in France, a republic, people have the right to love whom they want and the right not to be worshippers. He wanted to convey that France has many rights. In a post by the organisers on social media platform, they mentioned that the scene was intended to interpret Dionysus and raise awareness of the absurdity of violence between human beings. Paris Olympics 2024: Drag Queen Torchbearer Nicky Doll Claps Back at The Last Supper Controversy With Bold Statement, Says ‘We Ain’t Going Nowhere’ (Watch Video).

Creative Director, Thomas Jolly's Post on Paris 2024

 

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A post shared by Thomas Jolly (@thoma.jolly)

Stylist, Daphne Burki With the Team

 

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Dancer and Choreographer Maud Le Pladec Shares Olympics 2024 Video

 

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A post shared by Maud Le Pladec (@maudlepladec)

Composer and Musical Director, Victor Le Masne on Paris 2024

Regarding the actors who portrayed certain characters, they went viral online for their performances. The four main performers garnered a lot of attention. Barbara Butch, an LGBTQ activist and drag artist, took the central role, replacing Jesus. She wore a blue and silver shimmery gown with a matching halo. French actor Philippe Katerine appeared as one of the apostles, painted in blue and wearing minimal clothing, with flowers covering his modesty. During the Last Supper act, French dancer Germain Louvet allegedly flashed his testicles, though it is unclear whether this was intentional or accidental. Additionally, French drag queen Nicky Doll, too, participated in the Last Supper act during the controversial opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 'Stand-Up for Christianity' Andrew Tate Launches Protest Against Paris Olympic Games 2024 for Controversial 'Last Supper Act' During Opening Ceremony, Posts Video Standing Outside French Embassy.

LGBTQ+ Activist Barbara Butch Replaces Jesus in the Last Supper Act

 

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A post shared by Barbara Butch (@barbarabutch)

Germain Louvet Who Allegedly Flashed His Testicles in the Act

 

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Philippe Katerine Painted in Blue, as an Apostle in the Last Supper Act

Nicky Doll Performs the Last Supper Act Dressed as a Drag Queen

According to reports, the opening ceremony featured approximately 17 performers, including notable names such as Kam Hugh, Paloma, Piche, and Giselle Palmer. Fans are celebrating this moment as a milestone for queer and drag representation on a global stage like the Olympics.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2024 05:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).