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Barbara Butch, the DJ who performed at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, is taking legal action following a wave of online abuse. The controversy stems from a segment of the show that some interpreted as mocking Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper."
Butch's lawyer, Audrey Msellati, posted a statement on the DJ's Instagram account, revealing that Butch "has been threatened with death, torture and rape, and has also been the target of numerous anti-Semitic, homophobic, sexist and grossophobic insults." The legal team is filing multiple complaints, which could potentially lead to a formal police investigation.
The segment in question featured Butch, who describes herself as a "love activist," wearing a silver halo-like headdress while performing alongside drag artists and dancers. Thomas Jolly, the ceremony's artistic director, has repeatedly stated that the performance was not inspired by "The Last Supper." Instead, he intended it as a celebration of diversity and French gastronomy.
"My wish isn't to be subversive, nor to mock or to shock," Jolly explained. "Most of all, I wanted to send a message of love, a message of inclusion and not at all to divide."
Despite these assurances, the performance drew criticism from various groups, including French Catholic bishops, who expressed feelings of hurt and offense. Olympic organizers responded by stating there was "never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group" and that the goal was to "celebrate community tolerance."
Butch herself has spoken out about the incident, stating on Instagram, "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."
The DJ added that she was "extremely honored" to perform at the ceremony and remains proud of her identity and what she represents for "millions of French people."
