The 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony is facing backlash on social media, including criticism from actress Candace Cameron Bure. She expressed her disappointment in an Instagram video, claiming the ceremony mocked Christian beliefs, as it included a portrayal reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.”
Candace Cameron Bure sharing her sharp critique of the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, posted in July 2024 | Source: Instagram/candacecbure
In the clip, Bure revealed she initially hesitated to comment on the Olympic opening ceremony because she didn’t want to become a headline. However, she felt the issue was too important to stay silent, so she decided to share her thoughts despite the risks.
Candace Cameron Bure sharing her sharp critique of the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, posted in July 2024 | Source: Instagram/candacecbure
Bure mentioned her connection to the Olympics, noting that her husband, brother-in-law, and father-in-law are all Olympic medalists and that they all love the Games. She also fondly remembered watching marathoners during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics as a child.
Candace Cameron Bure shares her perspective on the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, posted in July 2024 | Source: Instagram/candacecbure
Reflecting on this year’s Olympics, she said, “So, to watch such an incredible and wonderful event that’s going to take place over the next two weeks and see the opening ceremonies completely blasphemed and mock the Christian faith with their interpretations of the Last Supper was disgusting. And it made me so sad.”
Candace Cameron Bure shares her sharp critique of the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, posted in July 2024 | Source: Instagram/candacecbure
Candace shared that someone advised her not to be sad about the issue but to focus on feeling angry instead. She said, “I’m like..trust me, it makes me mad, but I’m more sad because I’m sad for souls.”
Bure’s statement came after the Olympic Games explained the opening ceremony’s meaning in a post on X, formerly, Twitter. They said, “The interpretation of the Greek God Dionysus makes us aware of the absurdity of violence between human beings.”
Following this clarification, Bure stated that many people have attempted to “correct” her views. But she later claimed that Dionysius was “a god of lust, insanity, religious ecstasy, ritual madnes etc.”
Although the real interpretation has been explained, Bure remained unconvinced. “I still don’t see how that relates to unifying the world through competitive sports and acceptable for children to watch. In any case, I’m not buying it,” she said. Other celebrities also voiced their concerns.
Comedian Rob Schneider criticized the inclusion of drag performances and public nudity. “Guys with their genitalia hanging out in front of children?! Drag Queens?! I wasn’t sure if I was watching the @Olympicsor if I was watching a school board meeting…” he posted on X.
Schneider also followed up with another post. He wished the athletes well but said he could not support an Olympics that he believed disrespected Christianity and “openly celebrates Satan.”
Rob Schneider at The Ice House Comedy Club in Pasadena, California, on October 24, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Fitness expert Jillian Michaels also weighed in, calling for respect and sensitivity. “Dear fellow gays… We demand tolerance and respect but then make a mockery of something sacred for over 2 billion Christians,” she said on X.
Jillian Michaels visiting “Extra” at Burbank Studios on January 13, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
She also expressed another concern on the platform. “This type of hypocrisy and lack of understanding is a bad look… What kind of reaction do you think they will have towards the LGBTQ+ community after this. This is NOT how we break down barriers it’s how you build them,” Michaels added.
Jillian Michaels visits BuzzFeed’s “AM To DM” in New York City on January 8, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
In response to the backlash, Paris Olympics 2024 organizers issued an apology during a press conference. Spokesperson Anne Descamps clarified, “Clearly, there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. On the contrary, I think that Thomas Jolly really tried to…intend to celebrate community tolerance.”
Looking at the results of the opening ceremony, Descamps stated, “We believe that this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offense, we are, of course, really sorry.”
Anne Descamps speaks at a press conference following the unintentional Last Supper parody in the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, posted on July 28, 2024 | Source: YouTube/guardiansport
Jolly, the Olympic Games Creative Director, emphasized that they aimed to showcase France’s diverse cultural heritage. “I did not intend to be subversive, or to mock or shock,” Jolly stated.
Thomas Jolly speaks at a press conference following the unintentional Last Supper parody in the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, posted on July 28, 2024 | Source: YouTube/guardiansport
He emphasized that the event was made to showcase ideas like kindness, generosity, and solidarity. These are the values he believes are crucial in today’s world.
He also underscored the freedoms celebrated in their country. “In France, we can believe or not believe. In France, we have a lot of rights and I wanted to convey those values throughout the ceremony,” Jolly explained.
Despite Paris 2024’s apology and clarifications, the controversy shows the tough balance between artistic expression and respect for different beliefs. The strong reactions from Candace Cameron Bure, Schneider, and Michaels highlight the challenge of handling cultural sensitivities on a global stage.
