Mississippi-based telecommunications company C Spire has pulled its ads from the Paris Olympics, citing a scene it said made a “mockery” of Jesus’ Last Supper.
The opening ceremony Friday featured a scene that showed drag performers sitting at a long table around a large, blue-painted man.
A scene from the Olympic opening ceremony.Facebook
Paris organizers said the tableau was supposed to reference Greek and Roman gods and French gastronomy, according to CBS News. The scene featured DJ and activist Barbara Butch and was intended to inspire love and inclusivity.
But many interpreted it as a parody of the famous Leonardo Da Vinci painting depicting Jesus’ last supper with his disciples and, by extension, a critique about Christianity.
Bishops from the French Catholic Church denounced the image and were joined by other Christians around the world. It sparked a firestorm of criticism on social media.
U.S. politicians have also weighed in on the controversy, with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., saying it was insulting for Christians.
After C Spire announced its intention to pull advertising, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves tweeted his support of the company.
