C Spire Withdraws Olympic Ads Over Controversial Opening Ceremony

Telecommunications and technology company based in Mississippi, C Spire, announced on X that it had withdrawn all its advertising from the Olympics due to the ceremony’s mockery of a painting depicting a significant biblical moment for Christians.

The 2024 Olympic Games began on July 26 in Paris, France, featuring French culture and controversial art that led to global Christian dismay and prompted a sponsor to pull out.

"We were shocked by the mockery of the Last Supper during the Paris Olympics opening ceremonies," the company stated. "C Spire will be removing our advertisements from the Olympics."

The four-hour event along the Seine River included performances by international stars like Celine Dion and Lady Gaga, both celebrated icons in the queer community. Drag Queen Nicky Doll, a contestant from the 12th season of "RuPaul’s Drag Race" and host of "Drag Race France," participated in the fashion runway segment alongside "Drag Race France" Season 1 winner Paloma, Season 3’s Piche, and Giselle Palmer.

Telecommunications and technology company based in Mississippi, C Spire, announced on X that it had withdrawn all its advertising from the Olympics due to the ceremony’s mockery of a painting depicting a significant biblical moment for Christians. The 2024 Olympic Games began on July 26 in Paris, France, featuring French culture and controversial art that led to global Christian dismay and prompted a sponsor to pull out. "We were shocked by the mockery of the Last Supper during the Paris Olympics opening ceremonies," the company stated. "C Spire will be removing our advertisements from the Olympics." The four-hour event along the Seine River included performances by international stars like Celine Dion and Lady Gaga, both celebrated icons in the queer community. Drag Queen Nicky Doll, a contestant from the 12th season of "RuPaul’s Drag Race" and host of "Drag Race France," participated in the fashion runway segment alongside "Drag Race France" Season 1 winner Paloma, Season 3’s Piche, and Giselle Palmer. Initially, the queens watched the models from the runway sidelines before joining to showcase their styles. One of their performances included a scene reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper," with drag queens and other performers arranged similarly to Jesus Christ and his apostles. This drew significant attention and sparked mixed reactions globally. Da Vinci's famous masterpiece is located in Milan, Italy. Later, Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the ceremony, addressed the controversy in a media briefing. He clarified that the act was meant to promote inclusion, not mockery. "When we aim to include everyone and exclude no one, questions can arise," Jolly explained, according to FOX News.

Initially, the queens watched the models from the runway sidelines before joining to showcase their styles. One of their performances included a scene reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper," with drag queens and other performers arranged similarly to Jesus Christ and his apostles.

This drew significant attention and sparked mixed reactions globally. Da Vinci's famous masterpiece is located in Milan, Italy.

Later, Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the ceremony, addressed the controversy in a media briefing. He clarified that the act was meant to promote inclusion, not mockery. "When we aim to include everyone and exclude no one, questions can arise," Jolly explained, according to FOX News.