In a statement released on 30 July 2024, the Ulama Council of New Zealand expressed its strong condemnation of the depiction of Prophet Isa (Jesus) during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics. This portrayal, which presented Prophet Isa as a drag queen in a rendition of the ‘Last Supper’, has sparked global outrage. The council stated that this depiction is a disrespectful violation of the sanctity of prophets and provokes the sentiments of both Muslims and Christians.

The council demands the withdrawal of this portrayal and calls for a formal apology to Muslims and Christians worldwide. It also urges a reevaluation of practices that fuel religious tensions and infringe upon religious freedoms.