In a bold stand against what many are calling a brazen act of disrespect, several prominent Ohio restaurants have announced they will not be broadcasting the 2024 Paris Olympics. The move comes in response to the global outcry over the opening ceremony’s controversial portrayal of Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting, “The Last Supper.”
The restaurants in question—TownHall, REBoL, Green Goat, and Mandrake—owned by renowned restaurateur Bobby George, have united in their boycott. Their decision was announced via a statement on Instagram, headlined “We are protesting the 2024 Paris Olympics.” The statement condemned the ceremony’s depiction of “The Last Supper,” which they argue was handled with “an irresponsible level of irreverence” that disrespects the Christian faith.
“The portrayal of ‘The Last Supper’ was not only insensitive but insulting,” the statement read. “We unapologetically uphold a standard where all religions are respected, and we will not tolerate any form of desecration. As such, we will not be broadcasting the Olympic Games at our establishments.”
This boycott is just the latest in a wave of backlash against the Paris Olympics. The opening ceremony’s depiction has not only stirred outrage among restaurant owners but has also led to corporate pushback. C-Spire, a technology and communications company based in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has pulled its advertisements from the Games. C-Spire’s CEO, Suzy Hays, explained, “While we support our athletes, we cannot be a part of the offensive mockery of ‘The Last Supper.’”
Rep. August Pluger (R-TX) also weighed in, condemning the ceremony’s content. “The Olympics should be a celebration of unity and respect,” Pluger said. “Instead, we saw a performance that mocked Christianity and even included a child in a drag queen act. This is unacceptable.”
Former President Donald Trump echoed these sentiments during a recent interview with Fox News. Trump labeled the opening ceremony as a “disgrace” and expressed his disapproval of the performance. “I thought it was terrible,” Trump said. “As someone who is open-minded, I still believe that such a disgraceful portrayal would never happen under my watch.”
Trump’s comments reflect broader concerns about the ceremony’s impact on global audiences. “Catholics and Christians across the globe are outraged,” Fox News host Laura Ingraham noted. Trump agreed, emphasizing, “What they did was a disgrace. It’s one thing to be open-minded, but there’s no excuse for this kind of disrespect.”
The controversy surrounding the Paris Olympics underscores a growing tension over cultural sensitivity and respect in international events. As the Games approach, the backlash highlights a significant divide over how artistic freedom is balanced against religious and cultural values. With major brands and public figures voicing their concerns, the impact of this dispute will likely continue to reverberate far beyond the opening ceremony.
