The central figure in the act, adrag artistknown asBarbara Butch, has since decided to sue a non-disclosed number of people after being the object of insults and, most importantly, death threats for what detractors believed to be a “disrespectful mockery” of their religion and values.
“She has been threatened with death, torture, and rape, and has also been the target of numerous anti-Semitic, homophobic, sexist, and grossophobic insults. Barbara Butch condemns this vile hatred directed at her, what she represents, and what she stands for.”
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A drag performer has decided to pursue legal action after receiving death threats and insults after the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony
The drag artist followed up the lawyer’s statement on Instagram: “All my life, I have refused to be a victim: I will not remain silent. I am not afraid of those who hide behind a screen, or a pseudonym, to vomit their hatred and their frustrations.”
Featuring an ensemble of cross-dressing performers dancing and posing while wearing intricate outfits, the piece sees Butch taking the place of what many believed to be Jesus at the center ofThe Last Supperwhile wearing a head ornament similar to the halos seen in many Renaissance depictions of Christian saints.
Another participant, Hugo Bardin, alsoremarkedon the importance of being unapologetic, stating, “An apology means recognizing a mistake, recognizing that you deliberately did something to harm, which was not the case.”
Paris 2024 was forced to apologize after the performance drew the ire of conservatives, Christians, and the French Catholic Church
Organizers were quick to apologize after seeing the reception theshowgarnered, especially from the French Catholic Church, Christian groups, conservative personalities, and segments of the audience.
“There was clearly never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group,” Anne Descamps, a Paris 2024 spokesperson, said at anews conference.
“On the contrary, I think we tried to celebrate community, tolerance. We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offense, we’re of course really sorry.”
“The openingceremonyoffered the world’s last wonderful moments of beauty, joy, rich emotions, and universal acclaim,” the French Bishops’ Conference wrote in an official statement, “but included scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity, which we deeply deplore.”
Other conservative-leaning personalities, such as three-time Super Bowl championHarrison Butkerand Donald Trump, also expressed their disagreement with the depiction, labeling it a “disgrace.”
Image credits:Wikipedia.
“Dionysus arrives at the table because he is the Greek God of celebration and that sequence is called ‘festivity,’” Jolly said in aninterviewwithCNN.
“The idea was to create a big pagan party in link with the God of Mount Olympus,” he explained. “You will never find in me, or in my work, any desire to mock anyone.”
Image credits:barbarabutch
“All I can do at this point is worry about my own family and not let them fall victim to this indoctrination. What the rest of society chooses to do is beyond my reach,” said one concerned viewer.
“The Olympics opening night used to be a classy affair that united the world. Now it’s another excuse to trot out the fashionable decadence of the Left. We are in the last days,” expressed another.
“Why did this have to be about religion? What do they get out of it? Terrible I will not watch any of the Olympics, I’m boycotting the event,” stated a reader, swearing to never watch the show again.
Image credits:J Sims/Getty
Image credits:Dave Benett/Getty
Others took to Instagram to show support for thedrag queen’s performance in the wake of the personal attacks the team has been subjected to, which led to Butch’s decision to pursue legal action.
“Be courageous, you stand for magnificent values and are stronger than all the hate haters can ever spill,” expressed one of Butch’s supporters.
“I can’t believe it’s still 2024 we’re still shaming people for their religion, sexual orientation or body shape. You were exceptional at the opening of the games! Keep your head up high, we know your worth!” wrote a fan of the artist.
Reactions remain divided, with some people showing support for the artist and others criticizing the performance, while some tried to calm the heated discussion
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