The Paris 2024 Olympics’ official video of the opening ceremony has been deleted from the various social media accounts of the Olympics, as ‘viewers’ backlash grows’.
Social media users shared a screenshot of the organisation’s footage, showing a blank screen with the caption that states that ‘this video is not available’, as reported by the Daily Mail.
In addition, the opening ceremony did not appear on their official YouTube channel, despite the fact that there was coverage of the games before and after the ceremony.
Also read: Olympic organisers apologise after backlash of Last Supper parody at opening ceremony
Neither the Olympics nor the Paris Games have given any reason why the video was been removed.
This followed after the event was dubbed the ‘worst ever’ and sparked backlash, as it was carried out amid ‘appalling weather’.
The incident that drew the most controversy was the last supper-style performance in a ‘festivité’, or party, scene.
Consisting of models, dancers, fashion icons and drag queens from France, the performance took place on a bridge over the capital’s river around a table, which ‘also doubled as a catwalk’.
At the centre was a performer in front of DJ equipment with a ‘golden halo-style crown’, surrounded by several drag queens, with many dancers and performers.
A fashion show showcased clothing designed by some of France’s ‘most promising young designers’, taking centre stage, while those seated on either side performed ‘slick choreography’.
Backlash soon followed, where organisers were accused of creating a ‘woke’ parody of the Last Supper, which was Jesus’ last meal with his disciples.
Among the individuals who reacted negatively to the performance, was Robert Barron, a Catholic Bishop from the United States.
‘I love the Olympics, so I turn on the opening ceremony of the Olympics. And what do I see now? It’s in Paris, France, a city I love, I spent three years as a doctoral student there,’ said Barron, in a video he posted online.
‘I see this gross mockery of the last supper and I won’t describe it any further,’ he added.
Friends, my thoughts on the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. #Olimpiadas2024 #OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/xU1ljFMZft
— Bishop Robert Barron (@BishopBarron) July 27, 2024
In what has been described as ‘the most bizarre moment of the night’, a giant platter with fake fruits and other foods showcased a blue person resting among them.
The man, dressed in a tight blue bodysuit, was dressed as Dionysus, the Greek God of wine, festivity and theatre, was later revealed to be French actor and singer Phillippe Katerine.
‘It wouldn’t be fun if there were no controversy. Wouldn’t it be boring if everyone agreed on this planet?’ said Katerine.
Also read:
Picture: Paris2024 / Instagram