Rob Schneider, known for his role on *Saturday Night Live*, has made headlines with his decision to boycott the Paris Olympics. His stance comes in response to what he calls a “Satanic” opening ceremony that, in his view, disrespects Christianity.
The 60-year-old actor expressed his disapproval on X, stating, “I am sorry to say to ALL the world’s GREATEST ATHLETES, I wish you ALL THE BEST, but I cannot watch an Olympics that disrespects Christianity and openly celebrates Satan.”
The Paris Olympics organizers have since apologized to those offended by a particular segment of the ceremony, which some perceived as echoing Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper.’
The depiction included DJ and producer Barbara Butch, a well-known LGBTQ+ icon, surrounded by drag performers and dancers. One dancer’s attire led to controversy, with Schneider criticizing the exposure and the inclusion of drag queens in the ceremony.
In his words, “Guys with their genitalia hanging out in front of children?! Drag Queens?! I wasn’t sure if I was watching the @Olympics or if I was watching a school board meeting…”
Schneider’s sentiments resonate with other critics worldwide. Religious conservatives have condemned the segment, with the French Catholic Church’s conference of bishops expressing disappointment.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova and the Anglican Communion in Egypt also voiced their concerns, suggesting the ceremony could undermine the Olympics’ identity and humanitarian message.
Donald Trump Jr. joined the criticism, labeling the ceremony’s director’s intentions as “satanic.”
Reflecting on his childhood excitement for the Olympics, Trump Jr. lamented the current state of the games, saying, “Now with the ever predictable (& seemingly satanic to me) drag queen opening ceremonies and never ending bs, no one I know even thinks about it beyond maybe watching some highlights.”
However, not everyone shares the same perspective.
Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the ceremony, clarified that the scene was not intended to mimic ‘The Last Supper.’ Instead, he aimed to celebrate diversity, French gastronomy, and community tolerance.
During a news conference, Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps emphasized that there was no intent to disrespect any religious group and apologized for any offense caused.
Jolly further explained his vision to The Associated Press, stating, “My wish isn’t to be subversive, nor to mock or to shock. Most of all, I wanted to send a message of love, a message of inclusion and not at all to divide.”
LGBTQ+ Athletes’ Reactions
Despite the backlash, many LGBTQ+ athletes enjoyed the ceremony.
British diver Tom Daley shared a playful photo mimicking a famous scene from *Titanic*, while the performance of singer Philippe Katerine, who appeared almost naked and painted blue, was interpreted by some as a nod to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and ecstasy.
Katerine’s lyrics, which touched on themes of nudity and equality, added to the ceremony’s provocative nature.
As the Paris Olympics continue, the opening ceremony’s bold choices have sparked widespread debate, highlighting the diverse range of reactions from both athletes and the global audience.
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