French prosecutors have launched an investigation into death threats directed at the organisers of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. On Saturday, a complaint was filed by artistic director Thomas Jolly, ceremonies director Thierry Reboul, and Alexandre Billard of the events agency Ubi Bene, following the receipt of threats.
The controversy began with a drag queen sequence in the opening ceremony, performed by French DJ Barbara Butch, which faced backlash from religious officials and conservative figures. Critics interpreted the sequence as an offensive reference to Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” Jolly clarified that the sequence, titled “Festivity,” was inspired by Greek mythology and intended as a celebration of diversity, not as a provocative or mocking gesture.
Jolly, who is openly gay, reported receiving threatening emails that included a Quranic verse referencing divine punishment for the organisers. Insults were also aimed at drag queen Nicky Doll, another performer in the sequence. DJ Barbara Butch reported receiving messages with threats and swastikas.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his outrage over the cyberbullying, asserting that such threats against artists are unjustifiable and affirming the nation’s pride in the ceremony’s bold artistic expression.
