Church Leaders Politicians Criticize Tableau

Paris Olympics Organizers Apologize for Controversial Drag Performance

Church Leaders, Politicians Criticize Tableau

Performance Resembled Da Vinci's "The Last Supper"

PARIS (AP) — Paris Olympics organizers have apologized to anyone who was offended by a tableau that evoked Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" during Friday's opening ceremony.

The performance featured drag queens posing as Jesus and his apostles, sparking criticism from church leaders and conservative politicians.

"This performance was a clear attack on our Christian faith," said Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, Archbishop of Bordeaux.

Politicians from France's far-right National Rally party also condemned the performance as "blasphemous" and "disrespectful."

The organizers defended the performance as a celebration of diversity and inclusion, but admitted that it may have offended some viewers.

"We apologize to anyone who was offended by the performance," said a statement from the Paris Olympics Organizing Committee.

"We wanted to create a moment that would be inclusive and respectful of all cultures and religions," the statement continued. "We regret that this performance was not received in that spirit by some members of our audience."