• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Olympic officials issue statement to fans offended by 'satanic' Opening Ceremony

Home> News> World News

Updated 15:25 29 Jul 2024 GMT+1Published 14:29 29 Jul 2024 GMT+1

Olympic officials issue statement to fans offended by 'satanic' Opening Ceremony

Bosses have apologised to fans after a religious group took offence to the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics

Joe Yates

Joe Yates

Bosses at the Olympics have issued an apology after its Opening Ceremony caused offence to a number of viewers and, in particular, one religious group.

The Paris 2024 Olympics started with a bang on Friday (July 26), and one that inadvertently upset sports fans all around the world.

During the ceremony, there were headless Queen Marie Antoinettes, who ruled France from 1774 to 1793 before she was executed after being convicted of high treason against the French Republic.

This in itself sparked outrage, with some people online claiming it was 'satanic'.

Advert

One user took to Twitter, and wrote: "Dear Normies, You’re probably sat at home, watching the French Olympics thinking what the actual **** is this.

"Well it’s just another a conspiracy playing out in front of your very eyes."

They continued: "The one where we tell you - the World is run by satanic globalists who control everything. These people do very strange sick things & openly worship Satan or a brand of.

"They love showing this fact off. Do you see it yet? They’re not even hiding it."

Advert

But it was what was depicted on the Debilly Bridge over the River Seine that ruffled some feathers.

The Opening Ceremony saw dancers appearing in 'headless' costumes. (BBC/VCG)
The Opening Ceremony saw dancers appearing in 'headless' costumes. (BBC/VCG)

A man who was almost entirely naked and painted in blue was seen lying across a plate on a dinner table with fruit around him - it was supposed to a portrayal of the Greek god Dionysus, but many believed that it mocked 'The Last Supper', a painting by Leonardo Da Vinci depicting Jesus' final meal with the Twelve Apostles.

The character then broke out in song as people danced around him.

Advert

And Christians across the globe took offence to it with many French Bishops speaking out about it, and people posting online claiming the ceremony was an 'attack on Christianity' and 'Christian values'.

And now, spokeswoman for the Paris 2024 Olympics Anne Descamps has apologised.

Speaking to a group of reporters, she said: "Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group."

"If people have taken any offence, we are of course really, really sorry."

Advert

The performance sparked some outrage (BBC)
The performance sparked some outrage (BBC)

The scene was choreographed by theatre director Thomas Jolly, who told BFM: “The idea was to do a big pagan party linked to the gods of Olympus.

“You’ll never find in my work any desire to mock or denigrate anyone. I wanted a ceremony that brings people together, that reconciles, but also a ceremony that affirms our Republican values of liberty, equality and fraternity."

While speaking about the 'satanic' scenes of the headless former Queen, he added: “Certainly we were not glorifying this instrument of death which is the guillotine."

Featured Image Credit: BBC/VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Topics: Olympics, Religion, Sport

Joe Yates
Joe Yates

Joe is a journalist for UNILAD, who particularly enjoys writing about crime. He has worked in journalism for five years, and has covered everything from murder trials to celeb news.

X

@JMYjourno

Advert

Advert

Advert

  • Olympic medallist tragically dies aged 49 after being struck by lightning on family vacation
  • Michael Phelps sends clear message to Paris officials amid Olympic 'cheating' controversy
  • Olympic judo star banned after making one specific sign before competing
  • Olympic swimmer warns Paris officials to 'wake up and do your job' as he slams 'cheating' athletes

Choose your content:

3 hours ago
5 hours ago
6 hours ago
  • 3 hours ago

    Hulk Hogan’s daughter Brooke reveals shocking reason she didn’t attend dad’s tributes

    Brooke Oleksy shut down previous reports that she and her late father were on bad terms

    Celebrity
  • 3 hours ago

    Expert reveals the 3 common names you should never give your baby for surprising reason

    All three are strong names that are popular today, but there's a reason why this expert doesn't think you should name your child them

    News
  • 5 hours ago

    James Gunn responds to Trisha Paytas naming baby ‘Aquaman’ following bizarre Ozzy Osbourne conspiracy

    DC Studios' co-CEO has reacted to the internet celeb having named her baby Aquaman - something she revealed on the day Ozzy Osbourne died

    Celebrity
  • 6 hours ago

    Fans spot Kelly Osbourne's 'subtle' tribute to dad Ozzy as she pays her respects during his procession

    The Osbourne family and the rest of the world are grieving the loss of a rock legend

    Celebrity