The 'Blue Man' At Paris' Olympic Opening Ceremony Defends Performance Despite Growing Up Christian, Wants Forgiveness

The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics caused massive controversy from viewers who say the performance mocked Christianity's 'The Last Supper.'

Now, participants who performed in the ceremony last week are speaking out.

According to 'CNN,' Philippe Katerine, a French entertainer, was dubbed "the blue man," who portrayed the Greek god of wine Dionysus. While lying on a table seemingly without clothes, Katerine sang a song covered in glittery blue paint from head to toe.

Katerine told the outlet how his song "Nue" — or "Naked" in English — was a message for peace.

"Would there have been wars if we'd stayed naked? The answer is perhaps not because you can't hide a gun or a dagger when you're naked," he said. "So you've got this idea of harmlessness when it comes to the naked man. And the idea of the origins of the Olympic Games in Greece — which are represented today because when you see paintings, they're of naked athletes too — also with the idea that they can't carry weapons when they're naked."

He continued: "So there I came, simply, to sing this song."

Katerine, a songwriter, said he was "deeply sorry" if his appearance offended any of the millions of viewers and that his intention was a "misunderstanding."

"I was brought up as a Christian and the best thing about Christianity is forgiveness," he told 'CNN.' "For me, it's the most beautiful thing there is: forgiveness."

"I saw something very colorful, reconciliatory and peaceful," Katerine stated, adding he was "surprised" by the backlash, despite his frustration the International Olympic Committee (IOC) refused to use subtitles.

"So I ask for forgiveness if I have offended anyone, and the Christians of the world will grant me that, I'm sure, and will understand that it was mostly a misunderstanding," the performer said. "Because when it comes down to it, it wasn't about representing 'The Last Supper' at all."

Aside from enraged viewers, one of the largest sponsors of the Paris Olympics quickly pulled their advertising due to what they deem an "unacceptable mockery."

C-Spire — the largest privately-held wireless provider in the USA — declared that they are pulling out altogether.

"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," the company penned on Twitter, now X, early Saturday. The post hit over 9 million views and received a flood of positive responses.