July 30th 2024.
One of the most unforgettable moments of what many consider to be the most unique opening ceremony in history has caused quite a stir around the globe. The controversial scene has been compared to the famous painting "The Last Supper" and featured drag performers and a multitude of dancers. It also showcased Philippe Katerine, a French entertainer who portrayed the Greek god of wine, Dionysus, earning him the nickname "semi-naked blue guy."
During the performance, Katerine sang a song while lying on a table, seemingly nude and covered in sparkling blue paint from head to toe. The scene quickly went viral on social media, captivating millions of viewers worldwide. In a recent interview with CNN, Katerine explained that his song, "Nue" (which means "Naked" in French), was a plea for peace, inspired by the ongoing wars in places like Gaza and Ukraine.
He went on to say, "Would there still be wars if we all remained naked? Perhaps not, because you can't hide weapons when you're naked." This idea of vulnerability and the concept of the original Olympic Games in Greece, where athletes competed in the nude without the ability to carry weapons, were the driving forces behind Katerine's performance. "So, I simply came to sing this song," he added.
However, not everyone was pleased with the scene. The Catholic church and Christian groups criticized the performance, leading to an apology from the Olympic organizers. The French Catholic Church stated that the ceremony included "scenes of ridicule and mockery of Christianity." Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps later clarified that there was no intention to disrespect any religious group, and the director of the opening ceremony, Thomas Jolly, denied that "The Last Supper" was the inspiration behind the scene.
Katerine expressed his regret if his appearance offended anyone, explaining that it was never his intention and that the backlash was due to a misunderstanding. He said, "I was brought up as a Christian, and the most beautiful thing about Christianity is forgiveness. So, I ask for forgiveness if I have offended anyone, and I am sure that Christians around the world will understand that it was mostly a misunderstanding." The singer also revealed that it was his first time performing the song and that he was disappointed that the International Olympic Committee did not provide subtitles, contributing to the confusion.
Despite the criticism, Katerine was also praised for creating one of the most memorable moments of the lavish ceremony. He shared that it took three makeup artists three hours to achieve his glittery blue look, which also required a full-body wax. "On stage, I am always very happy to perform and show off, within reason, of course," he said. "But in life, I am very shy and prefer to observe others without being seen. So, it amuses me to see myself like this, but that's just how it is."
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