Jodie Sweetin and Candace Cameron Bure Clash Over Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony
Jodie Sweetin and Candace Cameron Bure have both taken to social media to weigh in on the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony — and the long-time Full House sisters find themselves on opposite sides of the controversy.
In an Instagram Story shared on Sunday, July 28, Sweetin reposted activist Matt Bernstein’s take on a tableau depicting Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.”
Bernstein’s post clarified, “The drag queens at the Olympics were recreating the feast of Dionysus, not the Last Supper. And even if you thought it was a Christian reference — what’s the harm? Why is it a ‘parody’ and not a tribute? Can drag queens not be Christian too?”
Sweetin, 42, continued the conversation by sharing a humorous video of comedian Walter Masterson poking fun at the uproar.
Art and History Confusion
“Tell me you don’t know about art or history, without TELLING me you don’t know about art and history…” Sweetin posted on Instagram with a link to Masterson’s clip aimed at educating the outraged Olympic viewers.
The controversy began at Friday’s kickoff to the summer Games. Some viewers were puzzled by a scene where DJ, producer, and LGBTQ+ icon Barbara Butch adorned a silver headdress as drag artists and dancers encircled her.
Notably, sports stars like Kansas City Chiefs player Harrison Butker and Caitlyn Jenner expressed their disappointment. However, one of the most vocal critics was Cameron Bure, 48.
“Watching such an incredible event that’s going to unfold over the next two weeks, and seeing the opening ceremonies disrespect and mock the Christian faith with their interpretation of the Last Supper was disgusting,” Bure shared in an Instagram video on Sunday, July 28. “It made me so sad and someone said, ‘You shouldn’t be sad. You should be mad about it.’ Trust me, it makes me mad, but I’m more sad because I’m sad for souls.”
Olympic organizers clarified that the scene had no malicious intent and aimed to represent Dionysus, the Greek god of wine.
Anne Descamps, Paris 2024 spokesperson, said during an International Olympic Committee news conference on Sunday, “There was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. We truly aimed to celebrate community tolerance. According to the polls we shared, we believe this goal was achieved. If anyone took offense, we are genuinely very sorry.”
Artistic Intentions
In an interview with the Associated Press, artistic director Thomas Jolly reassured viewers that his intention was not “to mock or to shock.” Instead, he aimed “to send a message of love, inclusion, and not to divide.”
Interestingly, Cameron Bure and Sweetin have remained close over the years, frequently appearing at events together, despite finding themselves on opposite sides of various controversies.
In 2022, Cameron Bure unfollowed Sweetin on Instagram amid controversy surrounding her comments on “traditional marriage.” At the time, Sweetin supported JoJo Siwa in criticizing Cameron Bure’s comments on Great American Family’s programming. Sweetin still follows Cameron Bure, showing a continued interest in her TV sister’s life.
Final Thoughts from Karen
And here we are, folks. If you thought the Paris Olympics would bring us together in harmony and world peace, guess again. It’s just another stage for people to showcase their ignorance. Art is subjective, history interprets itself, and drag queens? Well, they can be anything they want, even Christian, deal with it!
If seeing diversity and love makes one “sad for the souls,” then I’m afraid there’s more than just a spectacle at the Olympics to be upset about. Until then, let’s enjoy the madness, shall we?
