Global Backlash: Olympic Opening Ceremony Faces Criticism for 'Immorality'

According to SAEDNEWS, Numerous athletes worldwide are getting ready for the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. While the openings are typically seen as a symbol of global unity, they have often faced criticism from various social, political, and cultural groups due to what is perceived as a disregard for human values stemming from the extreme relativism of their Western organizers.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) frequently asserts its dedication to humanity. Reviewing the Olympic Charter and the guiding principles of "Olympism" set forth by the IOC, one cannot help but notice the organization's ambitious declarations, regardless of their actual substance. It states:

"The aim of Olympism is to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of humankind, with the goal of fostering a peaceful society committed to upholding human dignity."

Despite the IOC's stated objectives, the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics sparked global criticism and outrage for disrespecting the moral and religious beliefs of billions of individuals, particularly Christians.

Criticism of Olympic Opening Ceremony for 'Immorality'

The commencement of the 2024 Paris Olympics has come under fire for its interpretation of Leonardo da Vinci's painting "The Last Supper," featuring a performance by a "drag queen" that many perceived as insensitive to religious sentiments.

During the ceremony, a live reenactment resembling Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" was showcased, depicting men dressed in women's attire and theatrical makeup seated around a table, alongside a transgender model.

The portrayal of Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" with undertones was viewed as a direct affront to sacred values at the Paris Olympics.
These scenes were seen as disrespectful towards Jesus Christ, demeaning his revered status and the significance of prophecy, in a manner that disregards the sentiments of religious believers and fundamental human values.

This controversial representation on the international sporting stage of the Olympics drew widespread attention across social media platforms.

Global Leaders Condemn Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony as an 'Insult to Christians'

Political and religious leaders and organizations worldwide strongly condemned the ceremony as offensive to religions, particularly Christianity.
Italy:
Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini branded the show as insulting and "sleazy," expressing disappointment in the disrespectful opening of the Olympics globally.
Hungary:
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticized the West following the contentious act during the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, highlighting what he perceives as a lack of moral standards in Western societies.
Spain:
Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, launched a scathing critique against France over the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, denouncing it as "immoral."
Australia:
Wendy Francis, national director of politics for the Australian Christian Lobby, voiced strong disapproval, characterizing the event as a disgraceful misrepresentation of Christian beliefs.
United States:
Several U.S. and international lawmakers condemned the opening ceremony, viewing it as a mockery and affront to Christians globally.
France:
The Catholic Church of France expressed regret over the scenes in the ceremony that appeared to mock Christianity.
Middle East:
The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) condemned the derogatory depiction of Jesus Christ and the sacred Christian beliefs during the Olympic opening ceremony.
Egypt:
Egypt’s Al-Azhar, the highest Sunni Muslim intellectual authority, denounced the disrespectful portrayal of Jesus Christ during the ceremony, emphasizing the need for respect for religious sentiments.
Malta:
Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta joined the chorus of critics condemning the segment of the Paris Olympics' opening ceremony that parodied Leonardo da Vinci's 'Last Supper.'

Paris 2024 Organizers Apologize for Opening Ceremony's Last Supper Parody

Organizers of the Paris 2024 Olympics issued an apology following the backlash from Catholics, Christian groups, and conservative politicians worldwide, clarifying that there was no intention to offend any religious group.The criticisms aimed at the Olympic ceremony reflect broader scrutiny of Western values and morals, illustrating perceived inconsistencies in Western policies and actions concerning justice and ethics on the global platform.