Islam Makhachev expressed his thoughts on a particular moment during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’ve probably seen the uproar on social media following a misunderstood segment in this year’s summer games in Paris.
The segment featured a man dressed as Dionysus, the Greek god, being served on a platter. The Olympic Games official account defended the portrayal as raising awareness about violence among humans.
After the broadcast, there was immediate backlash, with many seeing similarities to Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ and criticizing the organizers for disrespecting Christianity.
In an interview, Islam Makhachev condemned the display as “disgusting” and disrespectful to all religions.
“Well, to be honest, I watched fragments of the opening of the Olympics. It was disgusting.”
Makhachev further explained his objection, stating, “This is disrespectful to all religions in general and to all human values. To be honest, I even planned to go to the Olympics. After that, I don’t even want to go there.”
Celebrities like Harrison Butker, Candance Cameron-Bure, Caitlyn Jenner, Donald Trump, and Jillian Michaels have also criticized the depiction.
Islam Makhachev believes Russia can bring ‘human values’ back to the Olympics
Makhachev suggested bringing the Olympics to Russia, where they understand how to uphold human values.
“Well, first of all, Russia understands how to uphold human values,” Makhachev stated. “It respects athletes and the sport. I don’t think it has anything to do with the sport.”
Russia has been absent from several recent Olympic Games due to various controversies, including the current ban related to the invasion of Ukraine.
Despite the controversies, athletes from Russia and Belarus are still able to compete under certain conditions.
