As a concerned observer, I am deeply moved by Butch’s story. Her resilience in the face of unimaginable harassment and hate is truly inspiring. It’s heartbreaking to see how she has been targeted simply for being herself, but her determination to turn this negativity into positivity is a testament to her strength and character.
Barbara Butch identifies herself as an “advocate for love.” She explains that this role was the reason she remained unaffected by the barrage of threatening messages, offensive comments, and harassment that followed her appearance at the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.
During the four-hour event on July 26, the French DJ served as the focal point, surrounded by a vibrant display (tableau). Surrounding him were drag queens and dancers, striking poses along a long table. Butch was spinning tunes from the middle of the tableau. Nearby, singer Philippe Katerine, adorned in sparkly blue paint and semi-clothed, performed while perched on a serving platter as if it were a stage.
Social media enthusiasts swiftly pointed out similarities between the image and Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” a depiction of Jesus Christ and his twelve apostles before the Crucifixion. As a result, Butch found himself in the middle of intense criticism.
As a seasoned diplomat with years of experience navigating complex international relations and religious politics, I find myself deeply troubled by recent events involving high-profile figures expressing their opinions about sensitive matters.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, French political figure Marion Maréchal, and Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker were among those expressing disapproval regarding a depiction that was shown last night. Johnson stated on his platform (X, previously known as Twitter), “The portrayal of the Last Supper from last night was offensive and disrespectful to Christians worldwide.”
The artistic director of the entire ceremony, Thomas Jolly, was soon forced to clarify: “We wanted to talk about diversity. Diversity means being together. We wanted to include everyone, as simple as that.” Organizers shared photos of the moment in question, noting that it was meant to reference the Greek god Dionysus. “Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group,” said Paris Olympics spokesperson Anne Descamps. “If people have taken any offense, we are really sorry.”
Unfortunately, the situation had escalated beyond repair. Butch’s social media platforms were swarming with hostile messages, and there seemed to be no end in sight. After consulting with The Hollywood Reporter, Butch shared a menacing message she received on Instagram from an anonymous account: “I’m going to fucking murder you,” it warned. “A person like you should know your place in the world – never to mock Jesus. Your foolishness infuriates me because you resemble a [sic] degenerate liberal transgender. End your life.”
Butch has initiated an investigation with the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office to apprehend those who have been harassing her online. In a talk with THR, she delves into her experiences of cyberbullying, explains why Donald Trump and Elon Musk played a role in this, and shares the true intentions behind Jolly’s extravagant display: celebrating wine, festivities, and France.
Can we start by you telling me a little bit about you and your career in France?
As a DJ and music producer based in Paris, France, I dedicate my life to creating an environment where people from around the globe can dance and experience joy and security. I consider myself a “love advocate,” as I strive to disseminate love and positivity through my performances and events.
What sort of activism? What causes are you championing?
In a nutshell, I focus significantly on building self-confidence and promoting body acceptance among my audience. I guide them towards self-love, and I don’t hesitate to express my affection for them, even if they may not have heard it from others. My ultimate aim is to instill feelings of love in everyone I interact with or inspire through dance. This, essentially, is the purpose that drives me in life.
How did you get involved in the Olympics Opening Ceremony?
I was summoned for a gathering with the artistic team behind the Olympics by both the choreographer and Thomas Jolly. During this meeting, they shared details about an upcoming show. What caught their attention was my performance on New Year’s Eve along the iconic Champs-Élysées, witnessed by over a million spectators. They expressed that they found me embodying the very essence of diversity and love.
For 35 weeks during the COVID-19 lockdown, I hosted virtual parties on Zoom that attracted around a thousand people from France and globally every Saturday. This experience is still remembered within the community. In addition to this, I’m involved in various operas in French cultural centers and have earned a reputation as a cool DJ among Paris’ artistic community. This recognition led to my being asked to perform.
This tableau that people thought depicted The Last Supper, what was it meant to be honoring?
The Celebration of Dionysus
Were people not genuinely upset about the religious similarities that your piece had with The Last Supper, as depicted in religion?
The way they perceive it is subjective, serving as a justification for their fearful attitudes. You might find it interesting that figures like Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have all expressed offense online regarding this matter. Regrettably, they share responsibility for fostering such misconceptions, as they often stir up discord among people for personal gains, be it political or financial.
For how many hours did we practice? At any moment during this time, did someone ponder if our work could resemble the artwork, potentially causing offense to others?
Approximately three days ago, we found ourselves in a location close to Paris due to the need for secrecy surrounding our event. It seems that many people have misconstrued its nature. To clarify, our inspiration was not drawn from ‘The Last Supper’, but rather Dionysus. The portrayal on television may have contributed to this misunderstanding; I can only speculate. I apologize for any offense caused, yet it is not my fault and primarily a matter of misinterpretation. Our French humor and propensity for provocation are well-known. This trait is shared with the British as well.
What was your reaction after the ceremony, when you started to get some hateful messages?
Following the heartwarming event, I couldn’t help but flood my socials with tales and moments that moved me deeply. I was overflowing with excitement, tears streaming down my face. It wasn’t just me, my team were all in tears as well. We had poured our hearts into this project, and the emotions were running high. To top it off, it was pouring outside, adding to the intensity of the 24 hours that had passed. I found myself crying, praying, and feeling incredibly emotional. It was a privilege to be there, to be part of something so special. The heartwarming comments I received only added to the empowerment I felt. It felt amazing, almost surreal.
After they disseminated false information, particularly regarding the depiction of “[The Last Supper]”, it’s then that I begin to experience harassment on my social media platforms.
Were you shocked?
I wasn’t saddened, but deeply troubled. I didn’t take it personally, as I have a strong sense of self and understanding of my life’s journey. I am proud of who I am and where I’ve come from, and I have high hopes for the future. Yet, this situation reminded me of countless others who face constant harassment, often leading to tragic outcomes like suicide due to others’ hatred. This is why I can’t stand idly by; I feel compelled to address those responsible.
In my role at a cybersecurity company, we monitor accounts that send messages containing topics such as death, violence, sexual assault, and other disturbing content. Our goal is to seek justice. We’ve managed to uncover numerous identities of these harmful individuals, and we will report them to the authorities – regardless of their location, whether in the U.S., Colombia, or France. This action is taken on behalf of those who can no longer speak for themselves.
Would you be okay with disclosing the conversations you’ve had with these individuals? I’m referring to the details or substance of those exchanges.
As a bilingual individual with a diverse background, I have often found myself navigating through messages in multiple languages. Today, while engaged in a conversation with you, I stumbled upon a message in Spanish that initially caught my attention due to its ominous tone. Being fluent in English but not in Spanish, I quickly translated the message using a tool: “If you are in Paris, I will kill you.” This chilling statement left me both alarmed and intrigued. I was struck by the stark contrast between the casual nature of our ongoing conversation and the threatening message I had just received. It served as a reminder that the internet can sometimes be a dangerous place, where anonymity can embolden some individuals to express threats with impunity. I immediately reported the matter to the appropriate authorities, hoping that this would not escalate into something more serious. As someone who values open communication and mutual respect, such messages are a stark reminder of the importance of fostering a positive digital community where everyone feels safe and heard.
I’ve received numerous hateful messages, such as “Adolf Hitler didn’t finish his task, he overlooked you,” or “I’ll make soap from your skin like they did during World War II.” Other messages were simply, “Kill yourself.” There were also derogatory comments about my weight, referring to me as a “whale” or “big.” However, I disregard these messages because they stem from the sender’s own insecurities rather than mine. But yes, there was one that threatened, “I want to kill you. I will wait until you are DJing and I will rush on stage and decapitate you in front of the audience.” Truly appalling statements.
The Opening Ceremony of the Olympics garnered approximately 2 billion television views, which inevitably invited criticism on social media. However, disliking something doesn’t justify contemplating harm towards another person.
Has it made you fear for your safety?
Initially, I wasn’t giving much attention to my safety, but the messages I received were progressively more alarming. They came from extremists, and when someone is fanatical about something, it’s hard to predict their actions. Now, I am safely tucked away. In Paris, an investigation has been launched to gauge the authenticity of the threats. Upon my return to Paris, I will assess if additional security measures are necessary.
Tell me about the legal action you’re taking. Is it a lawsuit?
To ensure accuracy and promote justice, it’s advisable that I consult my attorney before sharing any information. I strive to prevent the dissemination of misinformation, while also encouraging accountability for those who incite hatred. My goal is to see the justice system hold offenders responsible rather than placing blame on myself.
Butch’s legal representative, Audrey Msellati, shared with The Hollywood Reporter that they have submitted the complaint to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, specifically the National Centre for Combating Online Hate. The public prosecutor confirmed that the case has been assigned to a specialized office known for handling offenses and crimes driven by discriminatory motives effectively. This office is equipped to coordinate investigations across various nations involved. The prosecutor’s office aims to expedite the process, but they are dealing with numerous hate messages, which is slowing things down somewhat. Instagram accounts implicated in the case have been identified and handed over to investigators. For a case to proceed to trial, a complaint must first be filed, an investigation initiated, and investigators must gather sufficient evidence to continue their probe.
Is anyone else that took part in the tableau getting the same amount of abuse as you?
Yeah, the drag queens. Not all the people, but Thomas Jolly, who directed the whole ceremony. [I’m getting more abuse] because I was central in the tableau and I think for people, it’s easier to attack a fat girl. For them, I am insecure, I don’t love myself, they think I’m weak, so it’s easier for them to attack me.
However, they’ll grasp that I’m not frail, I’m robust indeed. All the taunts and negativity just pass me by. I’m indifferent. I aim to convert every adversity into prosperity. I intend to change everything.
Do you think you became maybe somewhat of a scapegoat in this?
Yes, I think I am.
Have you had any support from the International Olympics Committee?
I received a communication from our creative team, but as of yet, no formal communication has come directly from President Thomas Bach. However, I’m hopeful that I will receive such a message soon, given their current busy schedule.
Speaking of which, it’s not hard to imagine the similar kind of harassment that female boxer Imane Khelif has faced, following accusations that she is actually a man. However, it should be noted that Imane was born female and identifies as such.
Indeed, it was quite unfortunate. During this Olympics, it appears that many critics are actually transphobic, fatphobic, or homophobic. We witnessed this behavior on the very first day at the opening ceremony. Victims of the Olympic Games have included [Khelif] as well, and unfortunately, this is not an uncommon occurrence. Whenever a woman demonstrates strength, criticism often arises, with some questioning her femininity. Recall Serena Williams?
Having received numerous messages from so many of you, I’d like to take a moment to express my gratitude for your thoughts and words. As someone who has traversed the winding roads of life, I’ve come to appreciate the power of communication and connection that your messages represent.
Whenever someone asks me something, I often respond, not out of indifference but sometimes with affection, only to find myself blocked. (Laughs.) What I truly want to convey is a word of caution: be extremely careful, for words indeed have the power to cause harm, even death. They’ve already claimed countless lives and continue to do so, including those of children, LGBTQ+ individuals, and transgender people. I’m also thinking deeply about justice, as I will never waver in my pursuit. Time and patience are on my side.
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2024-08-08 21:56