News Brief
A screenshot from the opening ceremony video telecast.
The Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony, held on July 26, 2024, was met with significant criticism from conservative commentators and viewers, who took issue with a number of elements they deemed inappropriate or offensive.
One of the most controversial aspects of the ceremony was the inclusion of a performance by drag queens, which was seen by some as an endorsement of LGBTQ+ lifestyles and a departure from traditional Olympic values.
Critics argued that the Olympics should be a celebration of athletic achievement, not a platform for political or social statements.
The ceremony also featured a segment that included a recreation of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, with drag queens standing in for the apostles. This was widely criticized by conservative commentators, who accused the organizers of making a "gross mockery" of Christian beliefs and traditions.
In addition to these specific incidents, many conservatives took issue with the overall tone and content of the ceremony, which they saw as overly politicized and focused on social issues rather than athletic competition. Some argued that the Olympics should be a unifying event that brings people together, rather than a platform for divisive political statements.
The use of the Seine River as the setting for the ceremony was also criticized by some conservatives, who saw it as a waste of resources and an unnecessary risk to the environment. They argued that the Olympics should be held in a traditional stadium setting, where the focus can be on the athletes and their achievements.