French DJ files complaint after receiving death threats over Olympics ‘Last Supper’ opening ceremony

French DJ and activist Barbara Butch has filed police reports after receiving death threats following her participation in an Olympics opening ceremony tableau. The Paris Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to Variety that a complaint for cyber-harassment was received and an official investigation has been launched.

The national body in charge of combating online hate speech (PNLH) has tasked the central office responsible for fighting crimes against humanity and hate crimes (OCLCH) with investigating the discriminatory messages targeting Butch’s religion and sexual orientation. The Prosecutor’s Office stated that the threats could qualify as "abuse aggravated by discrimination, death threats, and public incitement to attempt on the life or physical integrity of people."

The ceremony scene, featuring drag queens and LGBTQ community members, faced backlash from the Catholic Church and conservative figures like Rob Schneider and Candace Cameron Bure. Olympics artistic director Thomas Jolly told BFMTV that the segment was a tribute to Greek mythology, not inspired by “The Last Supper,” despite ongoing controversy.

Butch announced on Instagram that she has been the target of an "extremely violent campaign of cyber-harassment and defamation." Her attorney, Audrey Msellati, revealed that Butch received threats of death, torture, and rape, along with antisemitic, homophobic, sexist, and grossophobic insults. Msellati condemned the hatred and stated that Butch plans to prosecute those attempting to intimidate her.

During the opening ceremony, Butch DJed in the center of the tableau, wearing a silver headpiece and blue dress. She described her look as that of an "Olympian music goddess." Olympics organizers apologized for any misrepresentation, with spokesperson Anne Descamps stating, "Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group… If people have taken any offense, we are really sorry."