French DJ and activist files complaint over cyberbullying after Olympics performance

Paris: The Paris Olympics' opening ceremony has sparked significant controversy, escalating into a legal issue as DJ Barbara Butch faces severe online abuse. On Tuesday, Butch’s lawyer announced that legal complaints are being filed due to the torrent of threats and hate the DJ has received since her performance. The complaints include threats of death, torture, and rape, as well as numerous anti-Semitic, homophobic, sexist, and grossophobic insults, according to a letter posted on Butch’s Instagram account. Her agent confirmed to The Associated Press that the Instagram account belongs to Butch.

The uproar centers around a segment of the opening ceremony that featured Butch, who wore a silver headdress resembling a halo. Critics, including French Catholic bishops, interpreted this as a mockery of Leonardo Da Vinci’s "The Last Supper," despite artistic director Thomas Jolly’s assertion that the segment was not intended as a reference to the iconic painting. Jolly has repeatedly stated that he was inspired by feasting and French gastronomy, viewing the moment as a celebration of diversity and community tolerance rather than a subversive act.

Jolly expressed his intent to convey a message of inclusion and love, stating, “My wish isn't to be subversive, nor to mock or to shock. Most of all, I wanted to send a message of love, a message of inclusion and not at all to divide.” However, his vision has been met with criticism from various groups who felt that the ceremony's depiction was disrespectful to their beliefs.

Butch, who describes herself as a “love activist,” was surrounded by drag artists and dancers during her performance, which was intended to energise the crowd. Despite the backlash, Butch defended her performance, asserting her right to artistic expression. In an Instagram post, she stated, “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.”

Lawyer Audrey Msellati has indicated that legal action will be taken regardless of whether the abuse originates from French nationals or foreigners. The complaints will undergo examination by French judicial authorities to determine whether formal police investigations will be initiated. Msellati's statement highlighted the severe nature of the cyber harassment and defamation Butch has faced, describing it as an “extremely violent campaign.”

Butch expressed her pride in her performance and in representing herself and her community. She stated, “I was extremely honoured to perform in Friday’s ceremony and my heart is still full of joy. 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!” AFP