Olympic ‘Last Supper’ DJ files legal complaint after torrent of online abuse
The lingering fallout from the Paris Olympics opening ceremony took a legal turn Tuesday. Barbara Butch, a DJ who performed at the show, said she has filed complaints about the flood of online threats.
In a letter posted to Butch’s Instagram account, her attorney wrote that the DJ “has received death, torture, and rape threats, as well as been the target of numerous anti-Semitic, homophobic, sexist, and profane slurs.”
Although the ceremony’s artistic director, Thomas Jolly, has repeatedly said he was not inspired by The Last Supper, Christian and conservative critics interpreted a portion of the show featuring Butch as a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting depicting Jesus Christ and his apostles.
Butch, who calls herself a “love activist,” wore a silver headdress that resembled a halo during her set. Drag performers, dancers and others flanked Butch.
French Catholic bishops and others were among those who said Christians were hurt and offended by the dhow. Paris Olympics organizers have said there was “never any intention to disrespect any religious group” and that the intention was to “celebrate the tolerance of the community.” Art experts have said the scene was in fact more reminiscent of paintings of Greek gods.
Jolly has said he saw the moment as a celebration of diversity, and the table where Butch played her music as a tribute to partying and French gastronomy. “I don’t want to be subversive, or mocking, or shocking,” Jolly said. “I wanted to send a message of love, a message of inclusion and not divisive at all.”
The statement from Butch’s lawyer, Audrey Msellati, said she is filing multiple complaints. Normally, French judicial authorities investigate such complaints and determine whether to open a formal police investigation. The statement said Butch “has been the target of an extremely violent campaign of cyberbullying and defamation.”
In a statement of his own, also posted on Instagram, Butch said: “No matter what some may say, I exist. I have never been ashamed of who I am and I take responsibility for everything, including my artistic choices. My entire life I have refused to be a victim: I will not keep my mouth shut.”
Msellati said legal complaints would be filed regardless of “whether the crimes were committed by French nationals or foreigners, and that she intends to prosecute anyone who attempts to intimidate her in the future.”
Butch wrote that she was “very honored” to perform at Friday’s ceremony and “my heart is still full of joy.” She added: “I am committed and I am 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!”