An ESPN host is openly considering boycotting the Summer Olympics in Paris, France, due to the “controversial” Opening Ceremony.
The Opening Ceremony included a brief segment featuring French drag queens, which some viewers felt mimicked the “Last Supper.” Paris officials clarified that the sketch was intended to represent a Greek pagan feast, not the “Last Supper.”
“Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. The opening ceremony tried to celebrate community tolerance,” Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps told reporters via Reuters. “We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offense, we are really sorry.”
Despite the clarification, ESPN host Sam Ponder expressed her offense and revealed she might boycott the event.
“I love the Olympics, but I’ll be honest, watching the Opening Ceremony with my kids last night made me reconsider,” she shared with her Instagram followers.
NFL fans have been weighing in on the controversy.
One fan wrote, “I’m a Christian, but I have true Jesus in my heart, so I find nothing to be upset about. This false outrage by modern Christians, many of whom don’t seem to be following the teachings of Jesus any longer. Instead, they are following and worshipping anti-Christ figures and false prophets.”
Another fan supported Ponder’s stance, saying, “Good for you Sam, bravo. I respect you very much for having the guts to speak out and defend your beliefs, as unpopular as they must be with the television executives you work for. I won’t watch one second of these Olympic games for sure.”
A third fan added, “I’m with Sam on this. The Olympics should only focus on the games and the foundation of sportsmanship. The only acronym we should even THINK about is the IOC.”
However some disagreed with Sam’s viewpoint:
The reactions highlight the divided opinions on the Opening Ceremony’s content.
While some viewers appreciated the artistic expression and message of tolerance, others felt it was inappropriate and disrespectful.
