The recreation of the ‘Last Supper’ table played out by drag queens at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, an American telecommunications company withdrew its advertising from the games in apparent shock by what they called the ‘mockery’ of Christianity.

C Spire is the sixth-largest wireless provider in the US. Mississippi governor Tate Reeves said he is proud that the private sector is taking a stand when it comes to such issues. “I am proud to see the private sector in Mississippi step up and put their foot down. God will not be mocked. C Spire drew a common-sense, appropriate line,” he said in a post on X.

In an unprecedented display of inclusivity, drag queens took centre stage at the opening ceremony, showcasing the vibrant and influential role of the French LGBTQ+ community.

The display also attracted widespread criticism over the tableau that was a scene that seemed to evoke Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ that featured the drag queens and other performers in a configuration reminiscent of Jesus Christ and his apostles. This segment drew significant attention — and mixed reactions.

Held along the Seine River, the spectacular four-hour event featured global stars such as Celine Dion and Lady Gaga, both considered queer icons.

Organisers of Paris Olympics 2024 on Sunday apologised to Catholics and other Christian groups following a global outrage triggered by a parody tableau of ‘The Last Supper’ painting featuring drag queens during the opening ceremony of the games.

Communications manager for the 2024 Games, Anne Descamps, told the reporters, “Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. (The opening ceremony) tried to celebrate community tolerance.”