Rica Peralejo recently shared her thoughts on the controversial sketch at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony that stirred reactions among some Catholic groups and French bishops. In a post on Threads, the retired actress expressed that she didn’t interpret the scene as a reference to the “Last Supper” and wasn’t offended as a Christian.
The sketch in question featured over 12 drag artists, dancers, and a DJ seated around a long table. At the center was French actor Philippe Katerine, painted blue and portraying the Greek god of wine and pleasure, Dionysus. This artistic representation led to varying interpretations and criticism from religious groups.
Rica shared her perspective on July 28, saying, “I am not sure of how true that the Last Supper was actually the Feast of Dionysus. But to me, it sounds more like it because hello: OLYMPICS. OLYMPIA, GREECE. Ancient Greece and Dionysus is…?” She clarified that she didn’t perceive the scene as the Last Supper, stating, “Kaya no matter how much I look at it[,] hindi naman Last Supper ‘yung [effect] sa’kin.”
Despite the controversy, Rica was not personally offended by the sketch. Instead, she found it mismatched with the Olympic vibe. “I was not, at all, affected as a Christian for so many reasons but when I saw it I was a bit confused because it felt like it wasn’t something that matched the whole Olympic vibe as I know it haha!” she commented. She likened it more to a Super Bowl performance rather than an Olympic ceremony, observing that the Olympics have increasingly leaned towards showmanship and entertainment in recent years.
On July 29, as her post gained attention, Rica further elaborated on her stance, emphasizing that mockery couldn’t diminish her faith. “I really think the unbothered treatment is best. Not on the same page with some people, not forcing but for me lang talaga.. As a performance and opening, medyo misplaced lang ‘yung mga themes na absurd… Parang ‘di ko ma-connect sa Sports Event. But then I thought maybe kasi ito ‘yung art-art ng France? Haha. But point being na hindi ko na masyado sineryoso.”
The Paris Olympics organizers have since issued an apology for any offense the performance may have caused, clarifying that there was no intent to disrespect any religious group. This apology aimed to address the concerns of those who felt the performance was inappropriate and to reaffirm the organizers’ respect for all faiths.