Paris 2024 organizers issued an apology on Sunday after facing backlash from Catholics and other Christian groups over a segment in the Olympic Games opening ceremony. The sketch recreated Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” and included drag queens, a transgender model, and a naked singer dressed as Dionysus, the Greek god of wine.

Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps addressed the controversy at a news conference, stating, “Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. [The opening ceremony] tried to celebrate community tolerance. We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offense, we are really sorry.”

Artistic director Thomas Jolly tried to shift the focus away from the “Last Supper” references, explaining that the segment aimed to highlight diversity. “We wanted to talk about diversity. Diversity means being together. We wanted to include everyone, as simple as that,” Jolly told reporters on Saturday.

Despite the intention to promote inclusivity and tolerance, the Catholic Church in France criticized the segment, calling it a “mockery of Christianity.” However, supporters of the tableau praised its message of diversity and acceptance.

The interpretation of the Greek God Dionysus makes us aware of the absurdity of violence between human beings. #Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/FBlQNNUmvV

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024

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