Following a mocking display of a Christian painting at the Olympic opening ceremony, four restaurants in Ohio decided not to air the events.
The move comes after the organizers and artistic manager of the athletic competition’s famed entrance of participants and entertainment features included a controversial representation of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” art masterpiece. The painting portrays the scene from the Christian Bible in which Jesus Christ shares his last meal with his apostles before his death.
The four locations are separate dining establishments in both Columbus and Cleveland, all of which are owned by Bobby George. On July 30, just three days after the controversial ceremonies aired, the four restaurants—REBoL, Mandrake, TownHall, and Green Goat—issued a joint statement sharing the decision.
The statement described the display as “insulting to the Christian faith” and emphasized that the businesses “will not tolerate […] discrimination or desecration,” regardless of how it is presented. Due to this commitment, the companies said, they “will not be broadcasting” the events “at any” of the restaurant locations.
The display—which was liberally claimed to be a nod to “inclusivity” and not a mockery of Christianity—featured drag queens positioned alongside a fashion show runway which resembled a table for a feast. As noted by the restaurants, the portrayal of the famous painting was initiated with “an irresponsible level of irreverence.”
But local restaurants in Ohio are far from the only ones criticizing the display. Christian and non-Christian, political and religious leaders, and citizens from around the world have condemned the decision to portray Jesus Christ and his apostles as drag queens. Former president Donald Trump and American Catholic bishop Robert Barron are among those who have publicly dissented against the incident.
And other businesses are also taking a stand. C-Spire, a telecommunications and technology firm based out of Mississippi, announced via social media that it was no longer going to advertise through Olympic coverage due to the anti-Christian incident.
The company said it was “shocked” at the display. Its move was celebrated by GOP Gov. Tate Reeves, who applauded the “common-sense” decision from C-Spire and said that “God will not be mocked.”
