First Lady Jill Biden praised the Paris Olympics opening ceremony this weekend, despite criticism that it mocked the Last Supper. Leading the U.S. delegation, Biden described the event as “spectacular,” even though heavy rain drenched the athletes as they paraded on boats along the River Seine.
Biden expressed admiration for the ceremony and reflected on the challenge it presents for the upcoming Los Angeles Games in 2028. She noted that Paris’s display, though impressive, sets a high bar for future ceremonies. She remarked, “So, last night, it was just spectacular. The rain did not dampen our spirits. Every step of the way, I was thinking to myself, oh my god, oh my god. How are we going to top this?”
While Biden acknowledged Paris’s iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, she highlighted Hollywood’s unique magic and its role in shaping dreams and culture, suggesting that Los Angeles will also present a memorable experience. She added, “Paris has the Eiffel Tower, but we have Hollywood and the magic of Hollywood that makes all dreams come true. I think we’re going to be ok.… It’s a city where new generations of dreamers shape our culture.”
Several U.S. and international lawmakers criticized the Paris ceremony for featuring drag queens and artists who parodied Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, which they found offensive. House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned the depiction as a “mockery” and expressed concern over what he sees as an attack on traditional values. Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini also condemned the ceremony, calling it a poor start to the Olympics and criticizing it for insulting Christians worldwide
