Barbara Bucci, a French DJ who caused controversy in the Paris drag queen scene, Olympic Open Ceremony has filed multiple complaints with police after receiving a large number of threatening messages online.
“Since the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, artist, DJ and activist Barbara Bucci has been the target of an extremely violent cyber harassment and smear campaign,” Bucci’s lawyer, Audrey Muserati, said in a statement.
“She has received threats of death, torture and rape, and has also been the target of numerous anti-Semitic, homophobic, sexist and anti-grotesque insults.”
Butch was among the participants in a scene called “Festival,” which celebrated sexual diversity and inclusivity. The colorful scene, which also featured Nikki Doll and past Drag Race France contestants, was one of 12 scenes capturing the French spirit of the opening ceremony.
The film has sparked controversy after it was falsely suggested to be inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper and has been criticized as an insult to Christianity.
Artistic Director of the Ceremony Thomas Jolley said of the scene on Sunday: The painting has no relation to the iconic painting depicting Jesus having his last meal with the 12 apostles, but was rather inspired by Greek mythology.
Meanwhile, many celebrities and church leaders in France and abroad have already condemned the scene and have not backed down from their comments even after Jolie’s clarification.
“Barbera Bucci condemns this vile hatred directed at herself, what she represents and what she stands for,” Muserati said in a statement on Bucci’s behalf.
“Indeed, her commitment and personal values of compassion, inclusiveness and love for others have always been at the heart of her artistic projects, promoting the celebration of all, regardless of age, sexual orientation, origin, religion or gender.
“She has now filed multiple complaints against these actions, whether by French nationals or foreigners, and intends to persecute anyone who tries to intimidate her in the future.”
Jolie told the new broadcaster BFMTV on Sunday that it was clear the painting was not inspired by “The Last Supper” because of the figure’s representation of the Greek god Dionysus.
“Why is he there? First of all, he’s the god of festivals in Greek mythology, and this tableau is called ‘The Feast,'” Jolie explained. “He’s also the god of wine, and wine is one of the jewels of Greece. Franceand father of Sequana, goddess of the Seine.”
The Magnin Museum in the French city of Dijon later posted a message on X suggesting the painting was inspired by “The Feast of the Gods” by 17th-century Dutch painter Jan van Beylert, which is in the museum’s collection.
Before Jolie denied any connection to the Last Supper, celebrities in France and abroad condemned the scene, including devout Christian NFL players. Harrison ButkerRepublican politician Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives Candace Cameron Bure.
