A restaurant group in Columbus, Ohio claims that it is “protesting the 2024 Paris Olympics” as a result of the controversial opening ceremony that appeared to parody the iconic Renaissance painting The Last Supper using drag queens and other performers.
The Last Supper, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, portrays Jesus sharing a final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion.
“We are protesting the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Portrayal of The Last Supper was handled with an irresponsible level of irreverence, insulting the Christian faith,” the restaurant group said in its social media post.
“We unapologetically uphold a standard where all religions, races, sexual orientations, national origins, disabilities, ages, and gender identities are respected. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination or desecration. Therefore, we will not be broadcasting the Olympic Games at any of our restaurants.”
The restaurants impacted include Townhall, Rebol, Mandrake, and Green Goat.
It’s worth noting that the portion of the opening ceremony was not actually a parody of The Last Supper, much less an attempt to mock Christianity. Instead, it was a nod to the Festival of Dionysus, the Greek god of fertility, wine, and revelry.
Needless to say, this decision from the restaurant group sparked outrage on social media.
Very cool to see Columbus establishments Townhall and Mandrake on this list. How will the Olympics ever financially recover from this? https://t.co/nAuoP9m5Mc
— The Rooster (@rooster_ohio) July 30, 2024
The same people who constantly cry about cancel culture. https://t.co/ftlpPV7BiA
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) July 30, 2024
The Christian outcry of a completely made up scenario has been incredible to watch from afar. https://t.co/qbFNyN9DlN
— Brian (@Trizellini) July 30, 2024
Yet another reason you shouldn’t go to TownHall https://t.co/8CIx7wfjrQ
— Jeff Brauning (@brauning_jeff) July 30, 2024
Wild to me how insane this is making people. Like the correct information is out there and being screamed from the mountaintop and they’re still choosing to go with the false narrative even though it makes absolutely ZERO sense?? Why would the Olympics depict The Last Supper?? https://t.co/urkAWMPUgX
— Kyle (@TheRoarOf1984) July 30, 2024
This is bold (and wrong) coming from an owner / establishment known for their own controversial and borderline discriminatory politically charged past actions and stances
Also a pleasant reminder of why you should never go to town hall to begin with https://t.co/EKvtNTqtju
— Claire (@claireobrie) July 30, 2024
Least surprising news ever. Bunch of losers over at Town Hall. https://t.co/1dsBdChrO1
— Alec (@alec_kwait) July 30, 2024
Clearly, people were not happy with the decision from the restaurant group.
[Townhall]