Meghalaya CM Criticizes Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony for Insensitive Drag Act

Shillong, July 28, 2024 — Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has expressed strong disapproval over a drag performance at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony that featured a depiction of the Last Supper. Sangma voiced his concerns on social media, stating, “Deeply disappointed by the drag act depicting the Last Supper at the Paris Olympics. Religious sentiments must be respected. Strongly condemn such act.”

The performance, which involved 18 drag artists including three well-known Drag Race France queens, depicted a scene behind a long table with the Seine River and Eiffel Tower in the background. At the center of the table was a scantily clad man painted in sparkling blue, lying on a large serving tray.

Criticism poured in from various quarters, including actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, who called the act “hyper-sexualized” and “blasphemous.” Ranaut, recently elected to the Lok Sabha on a BJP ticket, argued that the performance mocked Christianity and noted that a child was among the drag queens. Billionaire Elon Musk also criticized the act, labeling it “extremely disrespectful to Christians” on social media platform X.

Olympic organizers defended the performance, describing it as an “interpretation of the Greek God Dionysus,” intended to highlight “the absurdity of violence between human beings.”

The Paris Olympics, which commenced with a nearly four-hour opening ceremony, will continue until August 11. India is represented by 117 athletes at the event.