While Olympic officials have apologized, admitting that the performance drew inspiration from the famed painting, Thomas Jolly, the performance’s artistic director, said the performance was “interpretation of the Greek god Dionysus [that] makes us aware of the absurdity of violence between human beings.”
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“Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. [The Opening Ceremony] tried to celebrate community tolerance,” said Olympic spokesperson Anne Descamps during a press conference. “We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offense, we are really sorry.”
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