![Islam Makhachev and Andrew Tate lash out at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony [Images courtesy: Getty, @Cobratate on X, and @islam_makhachev on Instagram]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/07/5d538-17221354293867-1920.jpg)
Several prominent stars from the combat sports world, including Islam Makhachev and Ryan Garcia, unleashed their ire on the controversial opening ceremony of the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics.
The ceremony seemingly featured a parody of the Last Supper performed by drag queens and dancers. During the ceremony, a segment featured a blue-painted, sparkling singer on a dinner platter, surrounded by backing performers striking poses along the long table.
According to several netizens, the sight resembled Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper portrait of Jesus Christ and his 12 apostles, as the performance transitioned into a catwalk showcasing drag queens and models paying homage to Paris’ rich fashion culture
Many contend that the theme celebrates self-expression and challenges traditional gender norms. However, according to several others, the opening ceremony visuals diverged from conservative values and the decorum traditionally associated with the Olympics. In line with that sentiment, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev wrote:
“Paris Games is a shame and dark stain on the Olympic movement. We should bring it back to Russia again, to fix everything.”
Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland wrote:
“I don’t know [why] everyone is upset with the Olympics. We all know France loves getting on their knees….”
Meanwhile, controversial influencer Andrew Tate perceived it as an effort to promote a non-gender-conforming agenda:
“Olympic opening ceremony. Isn’t the Olympics about hard work and discipline? This isn’t even topical? The west never misses a chance to prove they’re gay. Every cultural event. You name it. “We are SO GAY!” They do not promote anything as hard as they promote homosexuality.”
Boxing star Ryan Garcia called for the boycott of the Olympic Games:
“Fu*k the Olympics boycott it for the disrespect of Jesus Christ.”
Saint Denis, who served in the French army before getting into professional fighting, criticized the opening ceremony claiming that he was disappointed. He posted a picture of French athletes representing the nation and wrote on X:
“The most beautiful photo of this opening ceremony. Disappointed with the affront and humiliation that Christianity has suffered. The games are a moment of brotherhood. Now for sport, strength to all our French people.”
