Why the drag queen “Last Supper” controversy is a reminder that the Olympics are about more than just sports [Video]

A theatrical performance featuring drag queens evoking Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic “The Last Supper painting has sparked a fierce debate following its inclusion in the Olympic opening ceremony over the weekend. While some hail the act as a bold celebration of diversity and artistic expression, others condemn it as a disrespectful parody of Christianity.

Despite the official Olympics X account captioning screenshots of the performance on Friday as a reference to the Greek god Dionysus, many were quick to run with the claims that it was a reference to da Vinci’s painting. For Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, it wasn’t just a mockery of “The Last Supper,” but an “insulting” portrayal of the “war on our faith and traditional values,” per his X post from Saturday.

The scene, which featured DJ and producer Barbara Butch, an LGBTQ+ icon, flanked by drag artists and dancers, was intended as a tribute to feasting and French gastronomy, according to the ceremony’s artistic …