The opening ceremony of the Olympics has come under fire for a performance that seemed to satirise Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic ‘The Last Supper’. The act, which included several drag artists, echoed the renowned depiction of Jesus and his apostles during their final Passover meal before Jesus’ betrayal and subsequent events leading to his crucifixion.

The portrayal was met with immediate backlash from various Christian figures, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who took to Twitter to express his disapproval: “This was extremely disrespectful to Christians.”

Professional boxer Ryan Garcia also weighed in on Instagram, calling for a boycott: “The Olympics needs to be boycotted now. You can’t disrespect religion in front of millions. This ain’t right no one watch.”

American commentator Clint Russell voiced his astonishment on social media, saying: “This is crazy. Opening your event by replacing Jesus and the disciples at the The Last Supper with men in drag. There are 2.4 billion Christians on earth and apparently the Olympics wanted to declare loudly to all of them, right out of the gate: NOT WELCOME.”

Echoing the sentiment, NFL player Harrison Butker remarked simply: “This is crazy.”

Shane Pruitt, a pastor and author from Texas, criticised the ceremony as well: “Drag queens mock Christianity during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics in Paris as they attempt to recreate da Vinci’s painting of Jesus’ Last Supper. Not only are Christians the only people that it is socially acceptable to mock … it’s actually celebrated and put front and center.”

The 33rd Olympic Games in Paris kicked off with a spectacular yet sodden opening ceremony, as a unique flotilla down the River Seine was nearly sunk by persistent downpours on Friday night.

Football icon Zinedine Zidane, pop sensation Lady Gaga, and vocal powerhouse Celine Dion brought a touch of glamour to the event, but the water-themed spectacle saw many getting more than they bargained for as athletes and entertainers were soaked through by the time the Olympic flame ascended over the city via balloon.

A grand procession of 85 boats paraded the national teams along a six-kilometre stretch through Paris’s heart, with crowds exceeding 300,000 cheering from the riverbanks.

However, as evening turned to night, the rain intensified, leaving the hundreds of dancers who were part of the elaborate performances to tell the tale of Paris and France’s history out in the wet.

Lady Gaga dazzled the audience, emerging from behind oversized pink pom-poms to perform a burlesque rendition of ‘Mon truc en plume’, a French classic.

The entertainment varied widely, featuring Gojira’s heavy metal flair and culminating with Celine Dion’s performance at the ceremony’s close. Sporting legends such as Zinedine Zidane and Rafael Nadal played roles in the Olympic Torch relay.

Representing Ireland, Shane Lowry and Sarah Lavin proudly bore their nation’s flag, with Lowry expressing: “It’s a huge honour for me and my family.”

“Anybody who knows me knows how patriotic I am, how much I love Ireland, and how much I love playing for my country.

“I always wear the Irish flag with pride and to get to do something like this is something I’ll remember forever.”

Repeating her Olympic journey, 30 year old Lavin will proudly represent Ireland in the 100m hurdles, securing her spot as a two-time Olympian.

“It’s surreal to be honest,” said the athlete. “The greatest honour I’ve ever been given. To carry the country’s flag, it’s just something you can’t prepare for.

“I’m so grateful for those who’ve trusted me and put me in this position. It’s emotional as well.

“There’s no point lying about that because, you know, there’s a lot of people you’re representing and be on the biggest sporting stage.

“It’s a testament, I guess, to all the hard work and how much you’ve dug deep, not just in the last 12 months but the entire Olympic cycle and in your entire career.

“I’m deeply touched and just so excited to get out there.”