Paloma, the stage name of French performer Hugo Bardin, said she did not regret taking part in the Paris 2024 opening ceremony. In an interview reported by Euronews on August 1, 2024, she described the ceremony as a portrait of contemporary France and said the disputed scene was not meant to mock The Last Supper.
What Paloma said about the backlash
Paloma called the ceremony an important moment for representation in France. She said its mix of performers reflected a diverse contemporary country rather than familiar traditional clichés. As she put it, “It could have been a postcard from 1930. But instead, it was a photograph of France in 2024.” Euronews reported her comments from an Associated Press interview published August 1, 2024.
Asked about Donald Trump’s criticism, Paloma replied, “If Donald Trump is not reacting, then we have not done our job.” Asked whether she regretted participating, she said her only regret was people’s reactions. She also said the segment was not intended to parody or mock The Last Supper.
Why the ceremony scene became controversial
The tableau, titled “Festivity,” appeared during the Paris 2024 opening ceremony on July 26. It included drag artists, dancers and LGBTQ+ figures arranged around a long table. Some viewers interpreted the composition as a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper; that was their reading of the imagery, not an agreed account of the scene’s intent. Associated Press reporting described the scene and early criticism.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Official 2024 Olympics Commemorative Mascot Figure
- High quality figure in box
- Great gift idea
- Official 2024 Olympics Paris merchandise
Artistic director Thomas Jolly rejected the Last Supper interpretation. He said the tableau was inspired by a pagan festival connected to the gods of Olympus. In a July 30, 2024 report, The Guardian quoted him explaining that Dionysus was arriving at the table as the god of feasting and wine, and as the father of Sequana, the goddess of the River Seine. The report also covered the organizers’ response.
Those explanations do not erase why some viewers saw a religious reference in the staging. They distinguish the artists’ stated intention from the interpretation that prompted criticism.
Rank #2
- 100% Cotton
- Printed in the U.S on a high quality garment
- Designed and Manufactured by Dorluksy
- Machine Washable
- Gold Team Medal Glory - USA 2024 Summer Games Unisex T-Shirt
How organizers responded
Paris 2024 apologized to people who were offended and said the ceremony was not intended to disrespect a religious group. Spokesperson Anne Descamps said, “There was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group.” The apology acknowledged viewers’ reaction; it did not say that Jolly’s intended subject was The Last Supper.
Criticism came from particular public figures, including French politician Marion Maréchal and Eduard Habsburg, Hungary’s ambassador to the Vatican, as reported by the Associated Press. Their comments should not be treated as representing every conservative or religious viewer.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
- 100% Cotton
- Tribute to Paris’s dynamic playmaker and his acrobatic brilliance on the pitch - Khvicha.
- Bold typography and action-inspired visuals enhance the design.
- Perfect for match days, fan gatherings, and football-loving Kvaratskhelia supporters.
- A stylish way to showcase passion for world-class playmakers.
Backlash also included online abuse
The dispute extended beyond arguments about artistic intent. The Guardian reported that DJ Barbara Butch’s lawyer said Butch had received death, rape and torture threats, along with antisemitic, homophobic, sexist and body-shaming insults.
In an Associated Press report published October 25, 2024, seven people were reported charged in a cyberbullying case involving Jolly. The report also noted hostility directed at performers including Butch, Nicky Doll and Paloma. The charges described in that report concern a case involving Jolly; they do not establish the outcome of the case or resolve the scope of every abusive message. Associated Press reported the charges and related context on October 25, 2024.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Paloma’s response means
Paloma’s position was that the ceremony’s value lay in showing a modern, diverse France, and that she did not regret participating despite the reactions. The disagreement over “Festivity” turned on two different questions: what its creators said they intended, and what some viewers believed its imagery evoked. The organizers’ apology recognized offense without confirming that the scene was meant as a religious parody.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
