Seven people have been charged with cyberbullying after the Paris Olympics artistic director, Thomas Jolly, became the target of online abuse following the opening ceremony for the Games. French authorities revealed the charges on Friday, marking significant legal action against what has been described as a campaign of harassment against the creative mind behind the ceremony.
The controversy began when Jolly's opening spectacle, held along the Seine River, showcased a high-energy, queer-inclusive production blending modernity with French tradition. While the show garnered acclaim for its vibrancy, it also sparked uproar, particularly among far-right circles and conservative figures. What should have been a celebration turned sour when the attacks escalated to include death threats and discriminatory insults.
Jolly, known for his theatrical flair, filed his complaint with the Paris prosecutor's office on July 31 after receiving backlash for elements of the ceremony perceived as provocative. This sparked investigations which have led to these charges being filed against individuals ranging from 22 to 79 years old.
Among the charges against the suspects are counts of aggravated insults and cyberbullying, which can lead to severe consequences such as prison sentences and hefty fines. Jolly's arrest marked only the first wave, with more detentions anticipated as the investigation progresses.
The show had featured notable performers, including drag queens and pop stars like Celine Dion, and was meant to highlight diversity and inclusivity within French culture. One segment, which some drew parallels to the "Last Supper," garnered significant criticism. Hungary's ambassador to the Vatican, Eduard Habsburg, articulated his disapproval, stating it was disrespectful. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in, calling Jolly's work "a disgrace." Jolly later clarified the imagery was unintentional and maintained his work was not meant to mock any religious iconography.
Despite the backlash, Jolly stood firm on the artistic intent behind his production, stating publicly, "Critique, that's my life... but when it involves discrimination, it becomes criminal,” during statements to French lawmakers. He emphasized the significance of his performance not just for the LGBTQ+ community but as a representation of modern France on the world stage.
The Paris prosecutor's office deeply underscored the severity of the actions taken against Jolly and the expressed goal of silencing inclusive messages. Their statement highlighted how the cyberbullying aimed to intimidate public figures and stifle free expression. This incident isn't isolated, as it exemplifies what authorities have termed "pack behavior" online, where groups of individuals escalate harassment against specific targets.
Many performers involved in the ceremony, such as drag queen Paloma and Drag Race France winner Le Filip, echoed Jolly’s sentiments and faced their own harassment amid the controversy. They expressed shock at the vitriol directed at what was intended as a bold celebration of French diversity. Paloma described the event as "a really important moment for the French people and the representation of France around the world," pointing out how it showcased the nation’s modern values.
Authorities hope the charges will signal a tough stance against cyberbullying, aiming to curtail the increasing subtleties of online hate. Seven accused individuals are expected to appear before the court on March 5, where the judicial proceedings will likely shine light on the disturbing trend of using the internet for harassment and intimidation.
