PARIS (AP) — The Paris prosecutor's office said Friday that police had opened an investigation into hate speech following a grievance from the Olympic opening ceremony. artistic director Thomas Jolly due to death threats.

The Paris prosecutor's office said Jolly filed a grievance with the police on Tuesday, 4 days after the opening ceremonyfor death threats, “public insult” and “defamation”.

Jolly said he had been “the target of threatening messages and insults on social networks criticising his sexual orientation and his falsely assumed Israeli roots,” the statement said. The French central office for combating crimes against humanity and hate crimes has been tasked with investigating.

Jolly's grievance comes after the Olympic Games in Paris Opening ceremony sparked a storm of concern, including indignant comments from Donald Trump, within the wake of a controversial scene with drag queens and other artists. Although Jolly has repeatedly said that he was not inspired by “The Last Supper,” Critics interpreted a part of the show as a mockery of Leonardo Da Vinci's painting depicting Jesus Christ and his apostles.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed her “unwavering support” for Jolly within the face of threats and harassment.

With his opening ceremony, Jolly “upheld our values,” Hidalgo said in an announcement Friday. “It was a pride and an honor for Paris to be able to count on his talent to glorify our city and show the world who we are.”

Hidalgo added: “Paris will always be on the side of artists, of creation and therefore on the side of freedom.”

Barbara Butch, a preferred DJ and LGBTQ+ icon who appeared on the show, also said she had been subjected to a barrage of online threats. Butch has Complaint filed about online abuse and harassment, The police are also investigating.

Originally published: August 2, 2024 at 10:32 am