DJ In Controversial Olympics Opening Ceremony Scene Files Police Complaints Following Death & Rape Threats

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.

“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 scene, which was among 12 tableaux capturing the French spirit running through the opening ceremony, sparked controversially 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.

“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.”