Controversial Olympic ceremony ignites global backlash and political divide

The opening ceremony has clearly divided opinion worldwide. The focal point of the contention is a segment where a group of extravagantly dressed individuals feast at an enormous table. Many Catholics interpreted it as a reference to Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper".

Globally, numerous prominent figures and politicians have already weighed in on this issue. Now, on social media, Mike Johnson, the leader of the Republicans in the House of Representatives, has shared his views.

The White House has had every opportunity to condemn the Olympics’ shameful mockery of the Last Supper, but they refuse to do it. Their silence should be taken as an endorsement. The more than 200 million Christians in America should take note - he wrote on X.

In his post, the Speaker of the House of Representatives included a video in which, during a press conference, a question is raised about the White House's stance on the controversial segment of the ceremony. Spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre refused to comment on the matter.

Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris, denied on Sunday that he was inspired by "The Last Supper" in the scene that attracted protests from the Catholic Church. He also assured the public that he had no intention of mocking anyone.

I think it was quite clear that it was Dionysus arriving at the table, he is the god of the Feast, of wine and father of Sequana, the goddess linked to the river. The idea was a great pagan festival linked to the gods of Olympus... Olympus, Olympus, Olympic spirit... – explained Jolly in an interview with the BFMTV portal.