WATCH: Donald Trump slams Last Supper parody at Olympics opening ceremony, calls it a ‘disgrace’

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Former president Donald Trump has openly criticized the controversial opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, labeling it a "disgrace." His condemnation comes amid a widespread backlash against certain perceived religious depictions featured in the event.

The criticism revolves around a particular tableau during the ceremony that echoed Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting The Last Supper. The segment included DJ and producer Barbara Butch, a well-known LGBTQ+ icon, flanked by drag artists and dancers. One backup dancer appeared to have his genitals exposed, further inflaming the controversy.

Donald Trump talks about Last Supper act during Olympics opening ceremony

Religious conservatives worldwide have decried the segment. Donald Trump voiced his disdain on Fox News, stating, "I thought that the opening ceremony was a disgrace, actually. I thought it was a disgrace."

He further commented on the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, saying, "We won't be having a Last Supper as portrayed the way they portrayed it the other night. I mean, they can do certain things. I thought it was terrible. Look, I'm for everybody. I'm very open-minded... but I thought what they did was a disgrace."

The French Catholic Church's conference of bishops also condemned the event, lamenting the "scenes of derision" they believed mocked Christianity.

This sentiment was shared by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova and the Anglican Communion in Egypt, which expressed "deep regret" over the ceremony, suggesting it could tarnish the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) "distinctive sporting identity and its humanitarian message".

Donald Trump Jr echoed his father's sentiments, criticizing the director's intentions as "satanic". He reminisced about his childhood excitement for the Olympics, contrasting it with the current perception of the event.

"My mom was an Olympian (Czech Natl Ski Team), and as a kid, we would be excited for weeks leading up to the games," Trump Jr wrote on X.

"Now with the ever predictable (& seemingly satanic to me) drag queen opening ceremonies and never-ending bs, no one I know even thinks about it beyond maybe watching some highlights."

Despite the backlash, the ceremony's artistic director, Thomas Jolly, distanced himself from any Last Supper parallels. He clarified that the scene aimed to celebrate diversity and pay tribute to feasting and French gastronomy.

Paris 2024 organizer Anne Descamps echoed this sentiment in a press conference, apologizing for any offense caused by the religious depictions.

"Clearly, there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group," she said.

"On the contrary, I think Thomas Jolly did try to intend to celebrate community tolerance. We believe this ambition was achieved, if people have taken any offense, we, of course, are really sorry."

Backlash over Last Supper act and calls for Olympics boycott

Despite the clarifications and apologies, many Christians found the resemblance to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper offensive.

The French Catholic Church’s conference of bishops released a statement condemning the performance: “This ceremony has unfortunately included scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity, which we very deeply deplore.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson also criticized the event, calling it part of a broader "war" against Christian faith and traditions.

"Last night’s mockery of the Last Supper was shocking and insulting to Christian people around the world who watched the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games,” he posted on X.

“The war on our faith and traditional values knows no bounds today. But we know that truth and virtue will always prevail.”

The controversy has led some to call for a boycott of the Olympics. 'Saturday Night Live' alum Rob Schneider is among those boycotting, describing the ceremony as a Satanic display that "disrespects Christianity".

He made his dismay known on X, stating, "I am sorry to say to ALL the world's GREATEST ATHLETES, I wish you ALL THE BEST, but I cannot watch an Olympics that disrespects Christianity and openly celebrates Satan."

Schneider's reaction underscores the broader outrage felt by many. "Guys with their genitalia hanging out in front of children?!" he wrote in another post. "Drag Queens?! I wasn't sure if I was watching the @Olympics or if I was watching a school board meeting."

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