A package of cyberbullying complaints has been filed by DJ and LGBTQ+ activist Barbara Butch following her performance at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
During the event to kick off the multi-sport tournament, Butch starred in a sequence that some viewers interpreted as a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” Butch wore a silver halo-like headdress as she performed surrounded by drag artists and dancers.
The scene and its resulting interpretations sparked an intense debate on social media. According to the DJ, the conflict also escalated to cyberbullying against her.
In statements reported by the BBC, Butch’s lawyer, Audrey Msellati, said that her client has received “death threats, torture and rape” as well as being the target of “anti-Semitic, homophobic and sexist insults.”
“Since the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Barbara has been the target of a violent campaign of harassment and defamation,” said the defence, who specified that they have sent several formal complaints to the French authorities, for acts committed by “French or foreigners”. In addition, they intend to “prosecute anyone who tries to intimidate her in the future.”
French law enforcement agencies routinely examine such complaints before deciding whether to launch a formal investigation.
According to Euronews, authorities have granted Butch’s request and have opened an investigation that will focus on “discriminatory messages based on religion or sexual orientation that were sent to him or posted online.” The case is being handled by a hate crimes unit, Variety reported.
“The facts could be classified as aggravated assault by discrimination, death threats and public incitement to threaten the life or physical integrity of persons,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement.
The Paris 2024 scene
As mentioned above, the sequence that brought together the French DJ with other personalities from the LGBTQ+ community was compared to the famous religious painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. However, such a reference was flatly denied by Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the ceremony.
Jolly clarified that the sequence, called “Festivity,” is inspired by Greek mythology and is meant to be a celebration of diversity. Butch, in an Instagram post, also described her character as an “Olympic goddess of music.”
But despite these arguments, criticism did not cease. French Catholic bishops said that Christians felt “hurt and offended” by the spectacle.
The organisers of the Paris Olympics, for their part, have said that “there was never any intention to disrespect any religious group” and that their aim was to “celebrate community tolerance”. However, they have apologised for any misinterpretation.
Barbara Butch took to social media to defend herself against criticism and said she was proud to perform at the opening ceremony.
“Despite what others say, I exist. I have never been ashamed of who I am and I take full responsibility for my actions, including my artistic choices. All my life I have refused to be a victim: I will not remain silent.”
“My heart is still full of joy,” he added.
The lawyer representing the artist also said that Barbara has a “fighting spirit.” “She is strong, she has come out of shock and is ready to fight in a very good way. She is proud because she knows that it was an honor to represent France,” she said.
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