What is Jill Biden thinking?
First Lady Jill Biden recently lauded the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, describing it as “spectacular,” even as the event faced significant backlash for its portrayal of religious imagery. Biden, leading the U.S. delegation, was impressed by the ceremony’s grandeur despite the heavy rain that drenched athletes parading down the Seine River on boats.
Biden praised the spectacle but acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead for Los Angeles, which will host the 2028 Olympics. “Last night was truly spectacular,” Biden said. “The rain didn’t dampen our spirits at all. I kept thinking, how are we going to top this?”
She highlighted Los Angeles’ unique advantages, emphasizing that while Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Los Angeles boasts Hollywood’s magic and cultural influence. “We have Hollywood, where dreams are made,” she noted. “It’s a city where new generations of dreamers shape our culture.”
However, the opening ceremony in Paris drew widespread criticism for its controversial depiction of the Last Supper, a famous Leonardo da Vinci painting that portrays the final meal of Jesus and his apostles. The performance, which included drag queens and artists, was deemed disrespectful by many.
Last night’s mockery of the Last Supper was shocking and insulting to Christian people around the world who watched the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.
The war on our faith and traditional values knows no bounds today. But we know that truth and virtue will always… pic.twitter.com/s88c9ymG9j
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) July 27, 2024
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., was particularly vocal in his condemnation. “The portrayal of the Last Supper was shocking and offensive to Christians around the world,” Johnson asserted on X. “This event underscores a broader issue of disregard for our faith and traditional values. Yet, we remain steadfast in our belief that truth and virtue will prevail.”
Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini also criticized the ceremony, sharing an image that compared the Last Supper to the controversial performance. “Opening the Olympics with an insult to billions of Christians was an unfortunate start,” Salvini remarked. “It was both disrespectful and inappropriate.”
As the Olympics continue, attention will likely shift from the contentious opening ceremony to the athletes and the spirit of competition, reflecting the diverse values and traditions that make up the global community.