The French DJ and activist Barbara Butch has gone to the police after receiving death threats for appearing in an Olympics opening ceremony tableau that was mistaken for a recreation of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper.’
The scene featured a group of drag queens and other members of the LGBTQ+ community, including a transgender model, giving rise to backlash from the Catholic church and right-wing commentators. Butch appeared in the centre of the tableau, DJing in a silver headpiece and blue dress. In an Instagram post, Butch said she was designed to look like an “Olympian music goddess.”
The ceremony’s artistic director Thomas Jolly told French outlet BFMTV over the weekend that the segment was not a reference to ‘The Last Summer’ and was instead a tribute to Greek mythology. Nonetheless, the organisers issued an apology for any offence caused, with spokesperson Anne Descamps saying that “clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group … If people have taken any offense we are really sorry.”
Butch confirmed on her Instagram last night (July 29) that she had reported the trolls to the police, posting a statement from her attorney, Audrey Msellati. Msellati said Butch has been “the target of an extremely violent campaign of cyber-harassment and defamation.”
“She has been threatened with death, torture and rape, and has also been the target of numerous antisemitic, homophobic, sexist and grossophobic [hatred over her weight] insults,” she continued. “Barbara Butch condemns this vile hatred directed at her, what she represents and what she stands for. She is today filing several complaints against these acts, whether committed by French nationals or foreigners, and intends to prosecute anyone who tries to intimidate her in the future.”
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The Paris Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to Variety that they received a complaint for cyber-harassment and have launched an official investigation.
“The national body in charge of combatting against online hate speech (PNLH) has appointed the central office in charge of fighting crimes against humanity and hate crimes (OCLCH) to conduct an investigation into the discriminating messages referring to the religion or sexual orientation that were addressed to her or posted online and flagged,” the Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement. “The facts could potentially qualify as abuse aggravated by discrimination, death threats and public incitement to attempt on the life or physical integrity of people.”
Butch wrote in the caption: “I was extremely honored to take part in the Paris 2024 opening ceremony as a top artist, and to share my vision of the party. My heart is still full of joy and I thank you for all the love and strength you have given me since then.
Thanks again to @thoma.jolly @maudlepladec , @daphneburki for their trust, and to @victor_le_masne and @thomas_anduze with whom I was lucky enough to work closely.
“As you know, my commitment has always been to make everyone dance, and in my own small way to make a nation on the dancefloor. Through my DJ work and my activism, I’ve always promoted love and inclusivity – for me, this is what will save the world, even when it’s falling apart.”
She continued: “Today, however, I’m the target of yet another – particularly violent – cyber-harassment. Although at first I decided not to speak out to let the haters cool down, the messages I receive are increasingly extreme. All because I’ve had the honor of representing my country’s diversity through art and music, alongside other artists and performers I admire.
“Whatever some may say, I exist. I’ve never been ashamed of who I am, and I take responsibility for everything – including my artistic choices. All my life, I’ve refused to be a victim: I won’t shut up. I’m not afraid of those who hide behind a screen, or a pseudonym, to spew their hatred and frustrations. I will fight them without ever trembling. I’m committed, and I’m proud. Proud of who I am, of what I am, and of what I embody, both for my loved ones and for millions of French people. My France is France!”
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The Paris Olympic Games opened with 300,000 fans watching from the riverside as an armada of boats carried athletes along the Seine in the pouring rain.
The opening ceremony included performances from Gojira, Lady Gaga and Celine Dion – who moved viewers around the world with her triumphant return to the stage, having not performed in four years following a diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome. Check out viewers’ reaction to the ceremony here.
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