Sir, – I found the parody of the Last Supper in the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris very offensive. The performance was blasphemous and insulting to Catholics all over the world. It is incomprehensible that such an act would be allowed to take place by the committee organisers. I doubt any other religion would be insulted in such a manner. Shameful, to say the least. – Yours, etc,
AISLING BASTIBLE,
Clontarf,
Dublin 3.
Sir, – I am writing to express my profound disappointment and concern over the depiction of the Last Supper scene during the Olympic Games opening ceremony. This segment, intended to showcase Paris’s culture and creativity, instead came across as divisive, objectionable, and an unfortunate display of sleaze and tawdriness.
The portrayal was not only irreverent but also insensitive to the millions of people for whom the Last Supper holds deep religious significance. Such an important cultural and international event should unify and inspire. Instead, this scene set a troubling tone for the games and cast an unflattering shadow over Paris, often celebrated as the world’s capital of art and culture, but now risked being remembered as the “kitsch capital of the world”.
This representation lacked the respect and decorum befitting the Olympics. It was a missed opportunity to celebrate the true spirit of unity and excellence that the Olympic Games embody.
The Olympic Games should be a beacon of harmony, not a platform for controversial or tasteless displays. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL O’DOWD,
Drogheda,
Co Louth.
A chara, – The organisers could not resist the temptation to highjack a family-friendly event and force their self-righteous opinions and lurid erotic fantasies on the world.
Where was the Olympic spirit – unity, peace, fellowship and fair play, though athletics, sports and excellence?
The unsuspecting public, including millions of children watching worldwide, were subjected to crass vulgarity and obscenity. As the world watched on, violence against women was celebrated as a ghoulish Marie Antoinette was depicted carrying her guillotined head. Children were subjected to the sight of a bearded gentlemen gyrating in women’s underwear. Women were belittled and made fun of by a horde of male drag queens. Christians were mocked and insulted by the cultural appropriation and obscene parody of the Last Supper.
Is the Olympic Opening Ceremony trying to compete with the Eurovision Song Contest for a medal in sordid adult viewing? Has the Irish Olympic Committee submitted a complaint? – Yours, etc,
CIARÁN Mac GUILL,
Clichy,
France.