As a long-time advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a devoted fan of cultural expression, I find myself deeply troubled by the recent events surrounding Barbara Butch, the French DJ who participated in the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. The targeted death threats and vitriolic online attacks she has faced are nothing short of appalling, and they underscore the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance that many marginalized communities continue to face.
As an admirer, I’d like to share that a renowned French DJ and beacon of LGBTQ+ rights has disclosed her filing of police reports due to disturbing death threats she’s received. These threats stem from her role in a segment of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony that drew parallels to Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.”
At the four-hour event on a Friday, drag queens and dancers took turns striking poses beside a long table. Barbara Butch provided the tunes as DJ. A person adorned in shimmering blue paint and serenading in French was placed on a dinner platter at the table’s center. Some people on social media drew comparisons to the famous portrait of Jesus Christ and his apostles before the crucifixion, sparking immediate controversy.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, Marion Maréchal of the French far-right, and Harrison Butker from the Kansas City Chiefs expressed their disapproval towards last night’s portrayal of “The Last Supper.” According to Johnson, speaking on X, it was a disturbing and disrespectful representation for Christians worldwide.
1. Event coordinators showcased images of the display, mentioning that it symbolized the Greek deity Dionysus. Earlier, the DJ had uploaded a picture of her headwear prior to the gathering, labeling her attire as an “OLYMPIAN MUSIC GODDESS.” (Paraphrased)
1. “On Monday, she disclosed that she’s experienced a highly aggressive online bullying and slander following her participation in the event. In an Instagram post by her lawyer, Audrey Msellati, it was revealed that DJ and activist Barbara Butch… has received death threats, torture and rape threats, as well as numerous hateful comments based on religion, sexuality, gender, and other prejudices since the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”
Barbara Butch speaks out against the despicable hatred targeted towards her, her identity, and her beliefs.
Msellati states that Butch has submitted multiple grievances concerning these actions, regardless of whether they were carried out by French citizens or non-French individuals. She is determined to take legal action against anyone attempting to bully her in the future.
1. At a news conference on Saturday, Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the Olympics Opening Ceremony, defended the performance in response to criticism. When asked about the backlash, he stated that his goal was to showcase “unity” and inclusivity. Anne Descamps, the spokesperson, clarified that there was no intention to disrespect any religious group during the event. If anyone felt offended, they expressed deep apologies.
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2024-07-30 17:54