French DJ Barbara Butch has recently been the victim of a vicious online harassment campaign following her participation in the Paris Olympics Open Ceremony. Threats of death, torture, and rape have been directed towards her, along with numerous anti-Semitic, homophobic, sexist, and anti-grossophobic insults. These attacks have not only targeted Butch personally, but also her artistic projects promoting inclusivity and love for others.
Butch’s involvement in a scene celebrating sexual diversity and inclusion, titled “Festivity,” has been at the center of the controversy. The scene, featuring Butch alongside other artists, was initially misconstrued as being inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, leading to accusations of disrespect towards Christianity. However, the artistic director clarified that the scene drew inspiration from Greek mythology, particularly the god Dionysus, known for celebration and wine.
In response to the online harassment and defamation, Butch has taken legal action by filing several police complaints. She is determined to pursue legal recourse against both French nationals and foreigners who attempt to intimidate her in the future. Butch’s lawyer has made it clear that the DJ stands by her values of benevolence, inclusivity, and love for others, which are central to her artistic endeavors.
While the initial comparisons to The Last Supper caused outrage, the Magnin Museum in Dijon suggested an alternative interpretation. The tableau in question may have been influenced by The Feast of the Gods by Dutch painter Jan van Bijlert, according to the museum. This reinterpretation offers a different perspective on the scene and its artistic origins, shifting away from the controversy surrounding religious symbolism.
Despite explanations from the artistic director and reinterpretations by art institutions, public figures both within and outside of France continue to condemn the scene. Notable figures such as NFL player Harrison Butker, Republican politician Mike Johnson, and actress Candace Cameron Bure have expressed their disapproval. The ongoing backlash underscores the challenges faced by artists like Barbara Butch in navigating sensitive topics and artistic expression in a public forum.