Barbara Butch Receives Death Threats and Faces Online Abuse Following Paris Olympics Ceremony
Barbara Butch, a 43-year-old producer and activist, has been subjected to death threats, threats of torture and rape, and a barrage of antisemitic, homophobic, sexist, and grossophobic insults, according to her lawyer. The Paris police have launched an investigation into the matter.
Butch appeared alongside several drag queens during a segment of the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony, which some have compared to the biblical scene of the Last Supper. In the performance, Butch wore a silver headdress resembling a halo, which sparked outrage among some Christian groups. French Catholic bishops and former US President Donald Trump were among those who criticized the segment, with Trump calling the ceremony “a disgrace.”
The event’s artistic director, Thomas Jolly, clarified that the segment was not inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of Jesus Christ and his apostles. Paris Olympics organizers emphasized that there was “never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group,” stating that the goal was to “celebrate community tolerance.”
Butch’s complaint does not name any specific individuals responsible for the threats, but it indicates that she “intends to prosecute anyone who tries to intimidate her in the future.”
In a message posted on her official Instagram page, Butch expressed her honor at participating in the Paris 2024 opening ceremony but noted that the hate messages she has received are “increasingly extreme.”
“Although at first I decided not to speak out to let the haters cool down, the messages I receive are increasingly extreme,” Butch wrote. “All because I’ve had the honor of representing my country’s diversity through art and music, alongside other artists and performers I admire.”
She continued, “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. I’m not afraid of those who hide behind a screen or a pseudonym to spew their hatred and frustrations. I will fight them without ever trembling. I’m committed, and I’m proud.”
Butch’s lawyer, Audrey Msellati, also released a statement, which was posted on Butch’s social media.
Source: Sky News
