Olympic organizers face backlash from Christians over opening ceremony: 'Purposefully disrespectful'

The 2024 Olympics are facing criticism from Christians and people worldwide due to a skit that mocked Jesus' Last Supper during the opening ceremonies.

The "Outnumbered" panel responded to the mockery on Monday, explaining why many viewers believe the segment was meant to offend Christians and how the controversial opening has affected the true meaning of the Olympics.

"Charlie Hurt, a Planet Chronicle contributor, stated during "Outnumbered" on Monday that it was clear that the action was intentional. He added, "It's truly disgusting, but the other thing is, you're talking about the cradle of some of the most beautiful art in the world, and it's so ugly. The whole thing is so unattractive.""

"The purpose of the Olympics is to showcase unity and provide a platform for the greatest athletes to compete on a track field instead of a battlefield. However, the behavior of some athletes who display their behinds during the competition results in an offensive and ridiculous display that goes against the values of Christians."

The Olympics display showcased a variety of performers, including drag queens and a woman in a halo crown, who mocked "The Last Supper" painting by Leonardo da Vinci, depicting Christ and his apostles on the eve of his passion and death.

An image that provoked anger among Christians and conservatives online, including Catholic Bishop Robert Barron, who was dismayed that a nation with a strong Catholic background would ridicule such a significant event from the Gospels.

The individuals responsible for the contentious portion maintained that their actions were not meant to insult Christians, but rather to pay tribute to the Greek deity of wine, Dionysus.

Kayleigh McEnany countered those assertions, asserting that Christians have every right to be offended.

McEnany stated that this was the most appalling thing without a doubt, and Christians should be deeply offended.

She contended that the inclusion of sexualized images in the skit was unfortunate, as the purpose of the games is to promote unity.

"This is not what the Olympics are about," she stated. "The Olympics are renowned for their historical significance and we honor athletes who have devoted their entire lives to achieving this moment."

Anne Descamps, Paris 2024 spokesperson, addressed the backlash over the weekend and stated that there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. The opening ceremony aimed to celebrate community tolerance, Descamps clarified to reporters, as reported by Reuters.

"If people have taken any offense, we are really sorry, as we believe this ambition was achieved."

The Olympic Games' official X account stated, "The portrayal of the Greek deity Dionysus highlights the senselessness of violence among humans."

Harris Faulkner, co-host, stated that this takes away the limelight from every athlete.

The focus is not on them, and if they believe they are, they should examine the opening of the show. They punched us, and it's fair game for everyone, so I don't understand what they thought they achieved through the IOC spokesperson. As a result, I will never watch another opening.

"I didn't watch the whole thing anyway, but I am tuning in for those young men and women who have given their lives as teenagers to compete and represent their countries," she continued.

"I am worried about them and will monitor them, hoping they do not contract the disease and hatefulness that the IOC leadership has in France."

This report was contributed to by Gabriel Hays, Timothy H.J. Nerozzi, Ryan Gaydos, and the Associated Press.