In a bold stand against the recent debacle at the Paris Olympics, C Spire, the sixth-largest company in the United States, has announced its decision to pull all advertising from NBC’s coverage of the event. This decisive action follows what many are calling a grotesque mockery of Christian traditions during the opening ceremony.
The controversy erupted when the Olympics opening ceremony featured a disturbing reenactment of Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting, The Last Supper. This sacred moment, which depicts Jesus sharing a final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion, was grotesquely portrayed by drag queens and transgender performers. The scene was not only a blatant affront to Christian values but also featured an unsettling number of young children among the performers, further intensifying the outrage.
The ceremony’s sacrilege did not stop there. In a bizarre and insensitive twist, the event also included a depiction of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse from the Book of Revelation. A rider on a white horse, symbolizing death, was paraded across the water amidst a pyrotechnic display. This addition to the ceremony seemed to heighten the spectacle’s offensiveness, leaving many viewers and commentators appalled.
Reacting swiftly to the public outcry, C Spire took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce its decision to withdraw its advertisements. The company’s statement read, “We were shocked by the mockery of the Last Supper during the opening ceremonies of the Paris Olympics. C Spire will be pulling our advertising from the Olympics.” This move has been widely praised by conservatives and Christian viewers who see it as a stand for traditional values against the encroachment of secularism.
The backlash against the opening ceremony has been significant. Many Christians and conservatives have expressed their outrage over the event’s blatant disrespect for their faith. Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester condemned the ceremony, urging Christians to recognize and resist the secularist agenda that seeks to undermine their values. “This deeply secularist, post-modern society knows who its enemy is. They’re naming it. And we should believe them,” Barron asserted. “We should not be sheepish; we should make our voices heard.”
French bishops also voiced their disapproval, with a statement condemning the “scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity.” They expressed gratitude to other religious groups who have shown solidarity and lamented the hurt caused to Christians worldwide.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta joined the chorus of condemnation, expressing “distress and great disappointment” over the parodic portrayal of the Last Supper. His remarks underscore the widespread dismay among Christian leaders and their congregations.
C Spire’s decision to withdraw its support from the Olympics broadcast reflects a broader sentiment among many Americans who are increasingly disenchanted with the rising tide of secularism and its disregard for traditional values. The company’s stance is seen as a critical step in defending the sanctity of religious traditions in an era where such values are often under attack.
As the Olympics continue, it remains to be seen how other companies and viewers will respond to the ongoing controversy. For now, C Spire stands as a symbol of resistance against what many see as a troubling trend in modern entertainment.
