SACRED SATIRE: ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS IN ARTISTIC EXPRESSION AND RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE - A FOCUS ON THE 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES.

The 2024 Olympic Games, held in Paris France, have sparked a global conversation about the intersection of art, religion, and freedom of expression. This paper explores the ethical implications of artistic expression, particularly when satire intersects with religious beliefs. It examines the role of satire as a tool for social commentary and potential for offense when it challenges sacred tenets. The study applies both fundamental and complementary data collection techniques. It evaluates its contemplations via the Interfaith Dialogue Theory. The generalizations and conclusions were drawn based on a qualitative analysis and synthesis of the gathered data using hermeneutical and content analysis approach. The observations indicate that the Olympic Games, traditionally celebrated for respecting diverse religious beliefs and fostering unity, faced significant criticism for its 2024 opening ceremony held in Paris. The event was condemned for its perceived wokeness and for allegedly disrespecting the Christian faith by associating Leonardo da Vinci's depiction of the Last Supper with transgender and homosexual themes. Despite the artistic director's defense that the intention was not to mock Christianity but to celebrate the Greek god Dionysus and highlight France's cultural heritage, many countries, religious groups particularly the Islamic and Christian faith, and public figures, found the ceremony to be a satire mocking the Christians Lord's Supper, and thus unacceptable and condemnable. As a result, a major sponsor of the Games withdrew its support; it also made France to be perceived with contempt and disdain in the global landscape. This study recommends comprehensive review processes; cultural sensitivity training; stakeholder engagement; clear guidelines and policies; public communication and transparency; alongside engagement with religious and cultural experts, to avert similar occurrences in subsequent Olympic Games. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]