Full House's Jodie Sweetin Defends Olympics Drag Show After Candace Cameron Bure Calls It "Disgusting"

Full House alum Jodie Sweetin defended the 2024 Olympics' drag show at the Opening Ceremony in Paris after former costar Candace Cameron Bure called the performance "disgusting."

By Leah Degrazia Jul 29, 2024 11:03 PM
| Updated Jul 30, 2024 3:25 PM
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Watch: Jodie Sweetin Reacts After Candace Cameron Bure Slams Olympics Drag Performance

Jodie Sweetin is shutting down criticism surrounding the 2024 Paris Olympics

The Full House alum defended one of the Opening Ceremony performances shortly after her former costar Candace Cameron Bure slammed the show for using drag performers to reference Leonardo Da Vinci's religious painting The Last Supper and mocking "the Christian faith."

"Tell me you don't know about art or history," Jodie wrote in a July 29 Instagram Story, "without TELLING me you don't know about art or history."

Alongside her message, the 42-year-old also shared a video by creator Walter Masterson, in which he explains that the July 26 show, which featured a cast of drag artists, dancers and performers dressed in Greek mythology costumes gathering on the Debilly Footbridge, was actually inspired by Dionysus, the ancient Greek god who represents "feasting, festivity and ritual theater."

"The Olympics come from Ancient Greece," Walter explained in the July 29 video. "French culture is also rooted in feasting, festivity and ritual theater."

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The Most Emotional Photos From the 2024 Paris Olympics

Jodie's defense comes one day after Candace shared that she felt the performance "openly mocked God." 

"To watch such an incredible and wonderful event that's going to take place over the next two weeks," she said in a video shared to her Instagram July 28, "and to see the Opening Ceremonies completely blasphemed and mock[ed] the Christian faith with their interpretation of The Last Supper was disgusting."

Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Inaugural Lemons Foundation Gala hosted by Taylor & Taylor Lautner / Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Candace added, "It makes me mad, but I'm more sad. Because I'm sad for souls."

And though Candace said many people had tried to "correct" her on the meaning of the moment, the 48-year-old stood firm in her belief. 

"I still don’t see how [Dionysus] relates to unifying the world through competitive sports and [is] acceptable for children to watch," she wrote in the caption of her Instagram. "In any case, I’m not buying it."

But Jodie isn't the only one countering Candace's claims. The Olympic Games also responded to the controversy, clarifying the inspiration behind the show. 

Sharing a snapshot of the performers on the bridge, the Olympic Games wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter) July 26, "The interpretation of the Greek God Dionysus makes us aware of the absurdity of violence between human beings."

Keep reading to revisit more notable moments from the Opening Ceremony.  

Red, White and Blue

The Eiffel Tower and Opening Ceremony stands are illuminated with color in honor of the French flag.

Burning Bright

The Olympic Cauldron takes flight after being lit at the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.

Iconic Night

Céline Dion closes out the show with a powerful performance atop the Eiffel Tower.

Comeback Moment

The singer beautifully belted out "Hymne A L'Amour" during her return to the stage.

The GOATs

Serena Williams, Carl Lewis, Nadia Comaneci and Rafael Nadal light up the night with the Olympic torch.

Sporting Greats

French soccer star Zinedine Zidane passes the Olympic torch to Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal.

Laser Focus

The Eiffel Tower lights up the night.

Let the Games Begin

Athletes from around the world gather in front of the Eiffel Tower for Opening Ceremony.

Wave Your Banner

The mystery horse rider carries the Olympic flag to the Place du Trocadero.

Light Up the Night

The Parade of Nations travel along the Seine river.

The World Stage

Flags from countries competing in the Olympics fly high.

Sharing All the World

Pianist Sofiane Pamart and singer Juliette Armanet perform "Imagine" from a float on the Seine.

Athletic Spirit

The Refugee Olympic Team—which is made up of 37 athletes representing millions worldwide who have been forcibly displaced—share a loving message.

Play On

Musicians at the Opening Ceremony keep dry in their rain ponchos.

Race to the Finish Line

The Olympic flag is carried down the Seine on a galloping metal horse.

Scenes From the Seine

Team Australia is all-smiles as their boat passes by the Eiffel Tower.

Fanning the Flames

The masked torchbearer runs along the Musee d'Orsay during the Opening Ceremony.

Can't Rain on Their Parade

Despite the wet weather, Team Spain marches forward to the Place du Trocadero.

Smile for the Camera

Team Italy's flag bearers Arianna Errigo and Gianmarco Tamberi snap a selfie together.

Heart of Paris

The Eiffel Tower is decorated with the Olympic rings.

Hej!

Swedish athletes greet the crowd during the Parade of Nations.

Making Memories

Team Liberia captures all the sights and sounds from their boat.

The City of Lights

The Eiffel Tower awaits the arrival of the world's athletes.

Teamwork

Jordan's Rama Abo-Alrub and Saleh Elsharabaty bear their country's flag together. 

Hometown Pride

The Bahamian flag waves atop the country's boat on the Seine river. 

Ready for the Competition

Switzerland is ready to bring the heat to this summer's Games. 

Here Come the Red, White and Blue

Team USA makes their debut on the Seine. 

Raindrops Keep Falling on Their Heads

But that didn't stop these rooftop dancers from turning out a spectacular performance. 

When It Rains it Pours

Yet the Cabo Verde Olympic team didn't let it dim their joy. 

Fine Art

Reproductions of some of the most famous paintings from Paris' Louvre Museum decorate the River Seine. 

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View More Photos From 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

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