Johnson criticizes White House for not speaking out on Olympics ceremony issue
The recent Olympics opening ceremony in Paris sparked controversy as a skit featuring drag queens reenacting the Last Supper with Jesus and his disciples stirred a wave of outrage among Christians. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., criticized the White House for failing to condemn the performance, stating, “The White House has had every opportunity to condemn the Olympics’ shameful mockery of the Last Supper, but they refuse to do it.”
During a White House briefing, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre evaded questions about President Biden’s stance on the performance, drawing criticism from Christian leaders who felt offended by the portrayal. Despite being known for his Catholic faith, President Biden has yet to comment on the incident, leaving many to question his position on the matter.
First lady Jill Biden, however, praised the opening ceremony as “spectacular” without directly addressing the controversial skit. The scene, which featured drag queens performing at the Debilly Bridge in Paris, has been labeled as insulting and part of a perceived “war on our faith” by various U.S. Christian leaders.
Johnson was quick to denounce the performance, calling it an attack on Christian values and emphasizing the need to uphold truth and virtue in the face of such challenges. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis echoed Johnson’s sentiments, describing the incident as a reflection of a broader cultural decline that belittles religious beliefs.
The depiction of the Last Supper during the Olympics opening ceremony has drawn widespread criticism for what many perceive as a disrespectful and inappropriate portrayal of a sacred event in Christian tradition. The refusal of the White House to address the issue has further fueled the controversy, raising questions about the administration’s stance on religious sensitivities.
As debates continue to swirl around the impact and implications of such performances on religious communities, it remains to be seen how leaders will navigate the delicate balance between artistic expression and religious respect in future events.
