7 accused of cyberbullying against director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Paris Olympics

PARIS (AP) — Seven people have been charged in connection with cyberbullying focused on Thomas Jolly, the artistic brain behind the Olympic Games in Paris’ opening and closing ceremonies, French authorities announced on Friday.

The online attacks broke out after Jolly’s critically acclaimed but controversial opening spectacle in July on the Seine – a queer-inclusive, energetic fusion of tradition and modernity that was too bold for some to ignore.

The abuse quickly escalated, peppered with homophobic and anti-Semitic insults, and was reportedly intended to silence the artistic intentions behind the show. Jolly responded by filing a formal complaint with the Paris prosecutor’s office on July 31, prompting an investigation that led to the “first wave” of arrests, with more expected as the investigation continues.

The seven indicted individuals, ranging in age from 22 to 79, face death threats, serious insults and cyberbullying – serious charges that carry the weight of possible prison sentences and large fines.

Alla theatrical maverick known for combining bold cultural themes with LGBTQ+ celebration, his production intended to illuminate the City of Light as a vibrant, inclusive representation of French diversity. Jolly’s star-studded opening ceremony, featuring celebrities from the queer community like Celine Dion and Lady Gaga. However, drag performers, energetic catwalk walks and – in particular – a scene interpreted by some as the ‘Last Supper’ angered far-right politicians and religious figures around the world.

Hungary’s ambassador to the Vatican, Eduard Habsburg, branded the scene as disrespectful, wryly noting that “beheading Habsburgs and ridiculing central Christian events are actually the FIRST two things that come to mind when you think of #Olympics .” US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump went even further, calling the scene “a shame”.

Although Jolly clarified afterwards that any resemblance to the ‘Last Supper’ was unintentional, the backlash continued, drawing both criticism and support for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ elements.

Amid the tumult, Jolly told French parliamentarians last month that there was a distinction between constructive criticism and the discriminatory attacks he received.

“Criticism, that is my life… but when it comes to discrimination, it becomes criminal,” he said.

Emphasizing that the show’s intent was neither offensive nor religious, he defended his views and expressed disbelief that anyone could interpret his work as disrespectful.

“It was not my intention to make fun of any religion,” he emphasized, mindful that he included references to Notre Dame Cathedral as a tribute to France’s cultural heritage, and not as a religious statement .

Support for Jolly comes from the artistic community, including fellow artists who have also been victims of online abuse. Barbara Butch, an LGBTQ+ lawyer and DJ, and Drag Race France host Nicky Doll, who both performed at the Olympic ceremony, were among those harassed. Although only Jolly was mentioned in the prosecutor’s official statement, the wave of hostility spread to others involved in the production.

Among the artists is Hugo Bardin, known as drag queen Paloma, was proud of the event’s bold message of inclusion, calling it “a very important moment for the French people and the representation of France around the world.”

Drag Race France winner Le Filip echoed this sentiment, describing the ceremony as a “crowning moment” for the LGBTQ+ community and a “postcard for France” that presented a modern, inclusive nation. He also expressed shock at the backlash against Jolly’s event.

The prosecutor’s office on Friday emphasized the seriousness of the charges and arrests, noting that the case reflects a disturbing pattern of cyberbullying and hate speech directed at prominent figures.

According to the report, the suspects attempted to intimidate and silence “expressions of inclusivity” and diversity during a highly public and symbolic event.

The arrests are seen as a first step in France’s fight against cyberbullying, which authorities note has become increasingly sophisticated. In Jolly’s case, prosecutors pointed to disturbing “pack behavior” by attackers who acted independently to escalate the harassment, a pattern seen in other online hate campaigns.

The seven suspects will appear in court on March 5.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.