While DJ and activist Barbara Butch was performing as part of the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, her attorney stated that she had received threats of “death, torture, and rape” as a result of her participation.
After being subjected to “an extremely violent campaign” of online harassment, a French DJ who performed at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics has filed a court complaint.
The attorney for Barbara Butch stated that she has been subjected to countless antisemitic, homophobic, sexist, and grossophobic slurs, as well as threats of death, torture, and rape. Additionally, she has been the object of numerous insults that are based on the stigma of body size.
The producer and activist, who is 43 years old, made an appearance alongside a number of drag queens during a part that has been compared to the biblical scenario of the Last Supper.
In it, Butch donned a headpiece made of silver that was designed to seem like a halo.
The opening ceremony was referred to as “a disgrace” by former President Donald Trump, who was among those who expressed their belief that the performance had caused Christians to feel offended.
The event’s creative director, Thomas Jolly, stated that the Leonardo da Vinci painting of Jesus Christ and his apostles had no influence on the part.
The organizers of the Olympic Games in Paris have stated that there was “never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group” and that the intention was to “celebrate community tolerance.”
The complaint does not specifically name any of the alleged offenders or perpetrators, “whether French nationals or foreigners.” However, it does state that the DJ “intends to prosecute anyone who tries to intimidate her in the future.”
Butch stated that she was “honoured to take part in the Paris 2024 opening ceremony” in a message that was published on her official Instagram page. However, she also stated that the responses that she has gotten thus far “are increasingly extreme.”
Communication is characterized as “increasingly extreme.”
She continued with the statement: “Although I initially chose not to speak out in order to give the haters some time to calm down, the messages that I receive are becoming increasingly extreme.” This was in reference to the complaint that was filed.
“All of this is because I was given the opportunity to showcase my country’s variety through the disciplines of art and music, alongside other artists and performers whom I like. This is why I am grateful for everything that has occurred to me.
“Despite what people may say, I am a real person. I’ve never been ashamed of who I am, and I accept full responsibility for everything, even my artistic choices. This has been the situation for my entire life.
“I have never been a victim and will not remain silent. I have always refused to be a victim. I do not avoid people who hide behind a screen or a pseudonym to express their hatred and frustration. I’m not terrified of them. To battle them, I refuse to shake at any time during the conflict. My dedication is unshakable, and I am proud of myself.
However, Audrey Msellati, Butch’s attorney, also posted a statement on the page that Butch was in charge of maintaining.
When the Attitude Pride Awards were presented in 2023, Butch was named Pride Icon after receiving the accolade. She also told the media that she was forced to close her restaurant in southern France because of homophobia. This information was shared with the various media outlets.
The condemnation of bullying that occurs online.
A spokesperson for Paris 2024 has issued the following statement. The statement starts with the following: “Paris 2024 strongly condemns the cyberbullying that Barbara Butch has been subjected to as a result of her performance during the celebration of the opening ceremony.”
We support all of the artists that participated in the event and stand with her and the other artists who were present.
We agree with Barbara Butch’s demand for an investigation and criminal action against those guilty of these acts.
It is critical to remember that the Olympic Games and the festivals that accompany them are occasions of brotherhood and solidarity, and Paris 2024 would want to use this chance to remind everyone of that.
We are totally opposed to all forms of discrimination and attacks that are in every way contrary to the Olympic values that promote respect, tolerance,, and solidarity.”