French DJ Barbara Butch, who participated in a controversial drag queen scene in the Paris Olympics Open Ceremony, has lodged a number of police complaints after receiving a raft of threatening online messages.
'Full House's Jodie Sweetin Knows Art History & Defends Opening Ceremony Drag Performance After Candace Cameron Bure Calls It "Disgusting"
“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,” Butch’s lawyer Audrey Msellati said in a statement.
“She has been threatened with death, torture, and rape, and has also been the target of numerous anti-Semitic, homophobic, sexist, and anti-grossophobic insults.”
Butch was among the participants in a scene celebrating sexual diversity and inclusion entitled “Festivity”. The colorful scene, which also featured Nicky Doll and a number of past Drag Race France contestants, was among 12 tableaux capturing the French spirit running through the opening ceremony.
It has sparked controversy after it was erroneously suggested that the film was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, prompting accusations that it was an insult to Christianity.
The ceremony’s artistic director Thomas Jolly said Sunday that the scene had nothing to do with iconic painting depicting Jesus’s last meal with the 12 apostles and that rather, it was inspired by Greek mythology.
In the meantime, a number of public figures in and outside of France, as well as church leaders, has already condemned the scene and have yet to withdraw their comments in the light of Jolly’s explanation.
“Barbera Butch condemns this vile hatred directed at her, what she represents and what she stands for,” continued Msellati statement on behalf of Butch.
Paris Olympics Finds Groove With City Coming Back To Life As Opening Ceremony Lockdown Is Lifted & Sun Replaces Rain
“Indeed, her commitments and personal values of benevolence, inclusivity, and love for others have always been at the heart of her artistic project, promoting festivities for all, regardless of age, sexual orientation, origin, religion, or gender.
“She is today filing several complaints against these acts, whether committed by French nationals, or foreigners, and intends to persecute anyone who tries to intimidate her in the future.”
Jolly told new channel BFMTV on Sunday that it was obvious that the tableau was not inspired by The Last Supper given the presence of a figure representing the Greek god Dionysus.
“Why is he there? First and foremost because he is the god of celebration in Greek mythology and the tableau is called ‘Festivity’,” explained Jolly. “He is also the god of wine, which is also one of the jewels of France , and the father of Séquana, the goddess of the river Seine.”
The Magnin Museum in the French city of Dijon has since posted a message on X suggesting the tableu was rather suggested by The Feast of the Gods by 17th Century Dutch painter Jan van Bijlert, which is in its collection.
High profile figures inside and outside France hitting out against the scene, before Jolly denied its connection to the Last Supper, included devoutly Christian NFL player Harrison Butker , Republican politician Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House and Candace Cameron Bure .
Showrunner Fanny Herrero Talks "Joyful" Task Of Co-Writing Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony & Gives Update On 'Call My Agent!' Movie
Most Popular
Comments / 0