Slovak Deputy Prime Minister: "Olympics Insulting Christianity... Will Not Attend Closing Ceremony" [Paris Olympics]

Controversy Over Drag Queen Opening Ceremony Performance Spreads
"Disgusting Symbol of Perverted Corruption" Criticism
DJ Who Directed Performance "Received Death Threats"

A performance parodying 'The Last Supper' at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Slovak Deputy Prime Minister Tom?? Taraba expressed strong displeasure over the drag queen performance at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony that sparked controversy and refused to attend the scheduled Paris Olympics closing ceremony. The performance was criticized for obscenely parodying Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper,' provoking outrage among Christians worldwide. Malicious comments targeting the DJ who directed the performance have been rampant on social media (SNS), with death threats emerging, raising expectations of legal disputes.

"Abuse of sportsmanship as progressive political theater... Refusal to attend closing ceremony"

Tomas Taraba, Deputy Prime Minister of Slovakia. [Image source=EPA·Yonhap News]

According to Politico, Deputy Prime Minister Taraba stated on his Facebook account, "The Paris Olympics opening ceremony performance was a disgusting symbol of perverted decadence," adding, "I was originally scheduled to attend the closing ceremony as Slovakia's representative but have decided not to attend." He further harshly criticized, "This Olympics will be forever remembered as one that abused the beauty of sportsmanship for progressive political theater."

Taraba is a politician affiliated with the far-right Slovak National Party (SNS), which is in coalition with the ruling Social Democratic Party (SMER). Given his party's emphasis on nationalism and Christian traditions, his public expression of displeasure over the opening ceremony performance is interpreted accordingly.

The opening ceremony performance criticized by Taraba was the 'Festival' held on the Seine River in Paris on the 26th of last month, parodying the figures of Jesus and the 12 apostles from Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece 'The Last Supper.' Drag queen performers took on the roles of the 12 apostles, and a woman wearing a crown appeared in place of Jesus, sparking backlash from Christian communities.

As the controversy grew, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued an official apology to manage the situation. IOC spokesperson Ann Descamps stated in a press release immediately after the opening ceremony, "There was absolutely no intention to offend any religious group. On the contrary, we aimed to demonstrate tolerance and community spirit," adding, "We apologize if anyone felt offended."

Controversy over 'The Last Supper' parody performance spreads... Christian communities worldwide protest

On the 28th of last month (local time), Christian protesters held a demonstration in front of the French Embassy located in Bucharest, the capital of Romania, protesting the opening ceremony performance of the Paris Olympics. [Image source=AP·Yonhap News]

Despite the IOC's official apology, protests from Christians in France and worldwide have not easily subsided. Even if the performance's purpose was to emphasize satire, humor, and diversity, criticism mainly centers on its excessive disregard for religious sensitivities.

On the 27th of last month (local time), the French Catholic Bishops' Conference issued a statement saying, "Unfortunately, there were scenes mocking and ridiculing Christianity," and "We think of all Christians across continents who were hurt by the excess and provocation of certain scenes." The German Bishops' Conference also described the Paris Olympics opening ceremony as "impressive" but pointed out that the "'queer communion' was the worst scene and completely unnecessary."

Robert Barron, a prominent American religious figure and bishop of the Catholic dioceses of Winona and Rochester in Minnesota, stated, "What else can I see besides this disgusting mockery of The Last Supper?" and urged, "We Christians and Catholics must resist. We must raise our voices."

Russia, whose official Olympic participation was restricted due to the Ukraine war, also criticized the opening ceremony performance. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned via her Telegram account, "This opening ceremony created mockery of Christians and was a 'queer parade.'" The Russian Orthodox Church strongly criticized, saying, "A cultural and historical suicide is taking place in a place that was once one of the Christian capitals of European civilization."

DJ who directed the performance: "Received multiple death threats, will take legal action"

DJ Barbara Buchi, who directed the opening ceremony performance of the Paris Olympics. [Image source=Instagram]

The DJ who directed the performance, Barbara Butcher, announced that she has been subjected to various online harassment, defamation, and even death threats, and will take legal action. Butcher's lawyer, Audrey Umselati, stated that an official legal complaint has been filed regarding the online harassment, death threats, and insults directed at Butcher. In an interview with the Associated Press, Umselati said, "Butcher wants to defend herself and her choices. She remains proud of her participation," adding, "Hate messages targeting Butcher arrive almost every minute. Drag artists at the ceremony have also become targets of cyber violence."

Butcher posted a statement on her Instagram account emphasizing, "No matter what anyone says, I exist. I have never been ashamed of who I am and take responsibility for everything, including my artistic choices."

The Paris prosecutor's office, which received the complaint, has assigned the case to the police specialized in combating hate crimes. The Paris police plan to focus their investigation on discriminatory messages based on religion and sexual orientation sent directly to Butcher or posted online.