PARIS, FR. (THECOUNT) — Paris prosecutors announced Friday that police are investigating hate speech allegations after Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, reported receiving death threats.
The investigation follows a police complaint Jolly filed on Tuesday, just days after the opening ceremony, citing death threats, “public insults,” and “defamation.”
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Jolly claims to have been targeted with threats and insults on social media, criticizing his sexual orientation and mistakenly assuming he has Israeli roots. The Central Office for Combating Crimes Against Humanity and Hate Crimes is handling the investigation.
The controversy erupted following the opening ceremony, which featured drag queens and a performance that critics, including former President Donald Trump, perceived as a parody of Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” Jolly has denied any such inspiration, yet the backlash has been fierce.
Barbara Butch, a popular DJ and LGBTQ+ icon who performed in the ceremony, has also faced online threats and has filed her own complaint for online abuse and harassment, which is also under investigation.
This incident highlights the escalating cultural tensions and the broader societal debate over the role of LGBTQ+ representation in public events. The Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony has clearly struck a nerve, igniting passionate responses from both supporters and detractors. The situation underscores the need for a balance between artistic expression and respect for deeply held beliefs.
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