Thomas Jolly, the artistic director charged with crafting the Olympics opening ceremony spectacle , has been subject to a barrage of "public insults".
On Tuesday, the 42-year-old lodged a formal complaint and a statement was released from his representatives shedding light on the situation.
"Jolly was the target of threatening messages and insults on social networks criticizing his sexual orientation and his wrongly assumed Israeli roots," the statement read.
Jolly is an accomplished theatre director renowned for staging major French theatrical productions. His vision for the opening extravaganza along the Seine made headlines , especially due to the notable presence of French drag artists and a contentious segment that critics said sullied Leonardo da Vinci's iconic "The Last Supper".
Jolly expressed that his intention was not about subversion or causing offense . He explained: "My wish isn't to be subversive, nor to mock or to shock. I wanted to send a message of love, a message of inclusion , not at all to divide."
References in Jolly's ceremony to the revered artwork sparked condemnation from Christian groups and right-wing politicians globally. In a recent Fox News interview with Laura Ingraham, former US President Donald Trump was quizzed about the event. He stated: " I'm very open-minded, but I thought what they did was a disgrace ."
The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, fervently Islamic and a staunch advocate for Islamic interests globally, has branded the show " immorality against all Christians ".
In stark contrast, gestures of support have been forthcoming in defense of the beleaguered Jolly. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo committed her "unwavering support" to Jolly.
Discussing with AFP, the Olympic committee voiced their solidarity , stating that "Paris 2024 gives its full support to Thomas Jolly as well as the creators and artists of the opening ceremony in light of the attacks against them ".
DJ Barbara Butch, who was also involved in the opening events and faced backlash afterward , appeared on stage wearing a headdress akin to what Jesus Christ donned during The Last Supper.
Piche, a participating Drag Queen from the performance , stressed the importance of inclusion: "I'm really happy that queer people were able to be represented in this show."
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She clarified the intentions behind the event, pointing out that offending anyone or any religion was never in their thoughts: "There was no moment that the idea of offending someone or a religion was on somebody's mind . It was just a joyful, happy pop culture moment that most of the planet felt."
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