A French DJ who performed during the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony has filed a legal complaint after receiving abuse online.
Barbara Butch took part in a drag queen sequence during the event which sparked controversy as viewers interpreted it as a reference to The Last Supper
The ceremony’s artistic director, Thomas Jolly, denied this and some art experts said the scene shared more similarities with a painting of Greek gods.
A lawyer for Barbara Butch said the DJ “has been threatened with death, torture and rape, and has also been the target of numerous antisemitic, homophobic, sexist and grossophobic insults”.
Butch said she had been the target of “cyber-harrassment”, adding that the messages she was receiving were “increasingly extreme”.
French authorities normally examine complaints before deciding whether to launch a formal police investigation.
Jolly has said that he was not inspired by The Last Supper, the famous Leonardo da Vinci painting showing Jesus Christ and his apostles.
Instead, he said the sequence, titled Festivity, was inspired by Greek mythology and intended to be a celebration of diversity, adding his intention was not to “be subversive, nor to mock or to shock”.
Jolly added it was obvious that the tableau was not inspired by The Last Supper given the presence of a figure representing the Greek god Dionysus.
But some viewers who interpreted it as a reference to the painting said they were offended by the similarities.
French Catholic bishops said Christians had been hurt and offended by the show.
Butch wore a silver headdress which looked like a halo during her set, while surrounded by drag artists and dancers.
Organisers of the Paris Olympics have said there was “never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group” and that the intent was to “celebrate community tolerance.”
In a statement, Butch’s lawyer Audrey Msellati said she was filing several complaints.
“Since the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games artist, DJ, and activist Barbara Butch has been the target of an in an extremely violent campaign of cyber-harassment and defamation,” Msellati said.
“Barbara Butch condemns this vile hatred directed at her, what she represents and what she stands for.”
Msellati continued: “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.”
Butch also posted a statement of her own in Instagram stories, writing: “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.”
She said that she “was extremely honoured” to perform in Friday’s ceremony and added: “My heart is still full of joy.”
The scene also featured French drag queen Nicky Doll and former contestants from Drag Race France.
