Macron on Olympics opening ceremony

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed strong support for Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the Paris 2024 Olympic opening ceremony, following online harassment and death threats he received over a controversial scene interpreted as mocking Da Vinci's 'The Last Supper'. Macron described the ceremony as an 'audacious' performance that made France proud, emphasizing that while criticism is acceptable, threats against artists are unacceptable in a democracy. The scene in question featured drag queens and a representation of Dionysus, which drew ire from conservative and religious groups, including the Catholic Church. Jolly clarified that his intention was to depict a pagan celebration linked to the gods of Olympus, not to insult Christianity. The Paris Prosecutors' Office has opened an investigation into the harassment claims, highlighting the increasing tensions surrounding artistic expression and religious sensitivities. Macron reiterated the importance of artistic freedom, stating that nothing justifies threats against artists.