LGBTQ+ icon Barbara Butch faced an avalanche of online insults after starring in what many considered a “blasphemous” depiction of Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’.
The controversy surrounding the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games It is not over yet. After the commotion caused by the representation of Da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’ and the wave of insults on the Internet directed at its protagonist, Barbara Butchthe French Police have opened a formal investigation.
The authorities’ decision comes after the DJ and music icon the LGBTQ+ community file a complaint for harassment, threats of death and insults on the Internet. Her lawyer, Audrey Msellati, has stated that the legal action is not directed against any specific person.
The case is in the hands of a Paris Police unit specialized in hate crimes. According to authorities, the investigation will focus on “discriminatory messages based on religion or sexual orientation that were sent or published on the Internet.
Butch’s lawyer assures that the activist has “fighting spirit“and she feels very proud of her participation. “She is strong, she has come out of the state of shock and is willing to fight in a very good way. And she is also proud of her because she knows that it has been a great honor for her. represent France“declared the lawyer.
What have the organizers said about the performance?
The artistic director of the opening ceremony, Thomas Jolly, guaranteed that not all of his work was inspired by the ‘Last Supper’. Critics interpreted part of the show starring Butch like a mockery of Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting which shows Jesus Christ and his apostles.
French Catholic bishops and others claimed that Christians They had felt hurt and offended. But the organizers of the Paris Olympic Games They have stated that “there has never been any intention to disrespect any religious group” and that instead the intention was to “celebrate community tolerance.”
Butch, who defines herself as a “love activist”, She wore a silver halo-like headdress and livened up the party during her portion of the show. Drag performers, dancers, and others flanked Butch on either side.
