Minnesota Pastor Blasts Paris Olympics as ‘Last Supper’ Mockery Sparks Tech Ad Boycott!
A shocking performance at the Paris Olympics has a Minnesota pastor fuming and a major US tech company pulling its ads. 😡 #News #Olympics #Faith
Retired Pastor from Minnesota “Deeply Saddened”
ST. PAUL, MN – Drama erupted at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, leaving one major US tech company fuming as religious leaders in Minnesota weigh in.
Retired Pastor T.M. Johnson, a respected figure in St. Paul, Minnesota, has been vocal about his thoughts on the recent controversy at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Known for his years of service he is now enjoying his retirement but remains an active voice in his Christian community.
“I was deeply saddened by the portrayal at the opening ceremony,” Pastor Johnson said.
“As a Christian, the Last Supper holds profound significance, and to see it mocked on such a global stage was disheartening.”
Pastor Johnson, who has always championed respect and understanding, believes that such acts can alienate and hurt many people of faith.
“Artistic freedom is important, but so is respecting others’ beliefs. This performance crossed a line for many, including myself,” he added.
C Spire Slams Paris Olympics for ‘Last Supper’ Mockery
It’s not just religious leaders that are upset.
C Spire, a Mississippi-based telecommunications and tech giant, yanked its advertising in outrage after the ceremony featured what many perceived as a parody of the Last Supper. The controversial act, performed by drag queens and dancers, sent shockwaves around the world.
Global Outrage Sparks Swift Action
Just hours after the jaw-dropping ceremony, C Spire made a bold move. On Saturday morning, the company announced via X that it was severing ties with the games.
“We were shocked by the mockery of the Last Supper during the opening ceremonies of the Paris Olympics. C Spire will be pulling our advertising from the Olympics,” the statement read.
Mystery Surrounds Pulled Ads
C Spire remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the pulled advertisements. Details about the nature of the ads or the investment involved were not disclosed. However, the message from C Spire President and CEO Suzy Hays was clear.
“C Spire is supportive of our athletes who have worked so hard to be a part of the Olympics. However, we will not be a part of the offensive and unacceptable mockery of the Last Supper, which is why we’re pulling our advertising from the Olympics,” Hays declared.
The Controversial Performance Unveiled
The incendiary performance took place on the Debilyl Bridge, with the iconic Eiffel Tower and Seine River as the backdrop. Three French drag queens and elaborately dressed dancers lined up at the base of a runway resembling a long table, evoking Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, “The Last Supper.”
At the center of the spectacle was a woman adorned with a large silver headdress, mimicking a halo. She smiled and formed a heart shape with her hands, while her peers stared down the camera before launching into a choreographed routine.
Defending the Art
Thomas Jolly, the artistic director behind the opening ceremony, defended the performance amid the backlash. At a press conference on Sunday, Jolly insisted the act was a symbol of inclusion.
“Our subject was not to be subversive. We never wanted to be subversive. We wanted to talk about diversity. Diversity means being together,” he explained.
Jolly emphasized the importance of artistic freedom in France, stating, “In France, we have freedom of creation, artistic freedom. We are lucky in France to live in a free country.”
Religious Conservatives Condemn
Despite Jolly’s explanation, the performance drew sharp criticism from religious conservatives.
Practicing Catholic Marion Maréchal expressed her outrage on X, saying, “To all the Christians of the world who are watching the #Paris2024 ceremony and felt insulted by this drag queen parody of the Last Supper, know that it is not France that is speaking but a left-wing minority ready for any provocation.”
Hungary’s ambassador to the Vatican, Eduard Habsburg, also condemned the act, referencing another controversial scene from the ceremony. “…because decapitating Habsburgs and ridiculing central Christian events are really the FIRST two things that spring to mind when you think of #OlympicGames,” he posted on X.
Political Figures Weigh In
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves voiced his support for C Spire’s decision. “I am proud to see the private sector in Mississippi put their foot down,” the Republican stated on X. “God will not be mocked. C Spire drew a common-sense, appropriate line.”
As the dust settles from this explosive start to the Paris Olympics, the controversy continues to reverberate, with many questioning the boundaries of artistic expression and respect for religious symbols.
Pastor Johnson’s Reflections and Current Endeavors
Pastor Johnson concluded his thoughts on the controversy with a call for unity and understanding.
“We need to remember the values of respect and empathy in our diverse world,” he said. “It’s important to engage in open dialogues and find common ground.”
Now retired, Pastor Johnson spends his days volunteering at local shelters and mentoring young pastors in St. Paul. His dedication to the community and his unwavering faith continue to inspire many.
“In times of division, we must strive to bring people together through love and respect,” he said.
What did you think of the Olympics’ opening ceremony? Let us know in the comments!
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Your opinion matters! Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We love hearing from you!
