Drag Queen in Paris 2024 Olympics: A Bold Statement of Diversity

Hugo Bardin, who performs as the drag queen Paloma, never felt represented as a gay youth in central France. This sentiment drove him to participate in the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, which showcased a diverse and inclusive France. "It was a really important moment for the French people and the representation of France around the world," Paloma stated.

Paloma's involvement in a controversial scene has sparked criticism, including from U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump, who labelled it "a disgrace." Despite this, Paloma remains proud of the ceremony's portrayal of modern France. "It could have been a postcard from 1930," she said. "But instead, it was a photograph of France in 2024."

Controversy and Criticism

The ceremony's artistic director, Thomas Jolly, and other participants have clarified that the scene was not inspired by "The Last Supper." However, critics perceived it as mocking Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting of Jesus Christ and his apostles. Paloma appeared with other drag artists and dancers alongside DJ Barbara Butch, who wore a silver headdress resembling a halo.

Barbara Butch has filed a complaint regarding online abuse and harassment, prompting an investigation by Paris police. Paloma is not planning legal action over online harassment but prefers to focus on the positive messages she has received. She mentioned receiving thousands of messages daily, most of them supportive but some described as "violent" and reminiscent of "the Middle Ages."

Reactions from Various Quarters

French Catholic bishops and others expressed that Christians were offended by the scene. Paris Olympics organizers stated there was "never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group" but rather to "celebrate community tolerance." Many praised the ceremony for its creativity and style.

Trump commented on Fox News about the so-called "Last Supper" scene, saying, "I'm very open-minded," but he found it disgraceful. In response to Trump's remarks, Paloma said: "My first reaction is to say that if Donald Trump is not reacting, then we have not done our job."

Paloma's Perspective

Paloma believes the criticism is driven by hate rather than genuine concern for religious respect. "Where is the Catholicism, the Christianity in that? It is very hypocritical that their message is not about religion or kindness; it's about hate towards Jews, fat people, queer people and trans people," she said.

Bardin emphasized that they are not trying to impose their vision on the world but merely asserting their place in it. "We just want to let people know that we have a place in the world, and we are claiming that place," Bardin explained.

In an interview with The Associated Press at her Paris workshop, Paloma reflected on her journey as a drag queen. She adopted the persona five years ago, inspired by Pedro Almodóvar's films. Asked about regrets, she replied: "My only regret is people's reactions. I'm sorry if people are offended, but we did not try to parody or mock The Last Supper."

She urged critics to change their perspective and see the beauty in what they did. "Maybe change the perspective. Change the point of view. Try to see the beauty in what we did. Because it was just beauty. It was just only about beauty and reunion, and reparation," she added.

Despite the backlash, Paloma remains steadfast in her belief that the ceremony was a significant representation of contemporary France's diversity and inclusivity.