PARIS – French officials announced on Friday that charges have been filed against seven individuals linked to a cyberbullying initiative aimed at Thomas Jolly, the creative director responsible for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Paris Olympics.
Jolly faced a torrent of online harassment characterized by homophobic and antisemitic messages following his much-discussed opening show in July, which actively embraced LGBTQ+ themes. He initiated legal action on July 31 to address the situation.
The prosecutor’s office in Paris, which is conducting an ongoing investigation, noted that the recent arrests represent only the “first wave” of apprehensions, indicating that more arrests may follow as the inquiry progresses.
The seven individuals, ranging in age from 22 to 79, are charged with making death threats, aggravated insults, and engaging in cyberbullying, which could lead to considerable prison time and heavy fines.
The opening ceremony, which showcased a combination of French cultural elements and LGBTQ+ representation, included performances by drag artists, vibrant fashion displays, and a segment that some compared to Da Vinci’s renowned artwork “The Last Supper.” The ceremony took place along the Seine and featured prominent entertainers such as Celine Dion and Lady Gaga, intended to symbolize a celebration of freedom and inclusivity. However, the event ignited considerable backlash, with right-wing politicians and religious figures denouncing various aspects as inflammatory.
The Hungarian ambassador to the Vatican criticized the “Last Supper” representation, accusing it of disrespecting Christian traditions. Additionally, former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is also a Republican presidential candidate, labeled the moment “a disgrace.”
In response to the reactions, Jolly clarified that drawing parallels to “The Last Supper” was not his intended message.
Among the performers, Hugo Bardin, known as the drag queen Paloma, proudly reflected on the event’s powerful message of inclusivity, referring to it as “a really important moment for the French people and the representation of France around the globe.” Le Filip, the winner of Drag Race France, also expressed astonishment at the criticism directed at Jolly’s ceremony, describing it as “a crowning moment” for the LGBTQ+ community.
The prosecutor’s office underscored the gravity of the accusations, highlighting how the case is indicative of a rising trend of cyberbullying and hate speech targeted at notable personalities. Authorities noted that the alleged offenders aimed to “intimidate and suppress expressions of inclusivity” during this pivotal and emblematic event.
The arrests are viewed as an initial approach in France’s battle against cyberbullying, which has been noted to become increasingly intricate. In Jolly’s situation, prosecutors highlighted concerning “pack behavior,” where attackers, acting independently, exacerbated the harassment, a trend observed in similar online hate encounters.
The seven defendants are scheduled to appear in court on March 5.