Paris, August 03, 2024, The Europe Today: French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his outrage on Friday over the cyberbullying directed at Thomas Jolly, the choreographer of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony. Speaking on the sidelines of a visit to Paris Olympics volunteers, Macron praised Jolly’s audacity and artistic vision, asserting that the nation took pride in the opening ceremony, NHC reported.
“The French were very proud of this ceremony,” said Macron. “France showed its audacity with the artistic freedom that it comes with. Jolly’s daring art in the opening ceremony made many people happy.”
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo also offered her unwavering support to Jolly, commending his talent and dedication. “It was a pride and an honor for Paris to be able to count on his talent to magnify our city and tell the world who we are,” Hidalgo stated. “Paris will always be on the side of artists, of creation, and therefore, on the side of freedom.”
Death Threats, Insults, and Defamation
The Paris Prosecutors’ Office confirmed that Jolly filed a police complaint on Tuesday, citing death threats, public insults, and defamation. Jolly reported receiving threatening messages and insults on social media, targeting his sexual orientation and falsely assumed Israeli roots. The investigation has been entrusted to France’s Central Office for Combating Crimes Against Humanity and Hate Crimes.
Barbara Butch, a French DJ and LGBTQ+ activist who also participated in the ceremony, filed a similar complaint earlier this week over cyberbullying and death threats.
Religious Subversion Unintentional
While the opening ceremony received widespread praise, a particular scene interpreted as resembling the Last Supper provoked backlash from the Catholic Church, far-right politicians in France, and the religious right in the United States. The scene featured drag queens, a transgender model, and a naked singer portraying Dionysus, the Greek god of wine.
Paris 2024 organizers apologized, stating that there was no intention to disrespect any religious group. Jolly clarified that the scene was meant to depict a pagan feast linked to the gods of Olympus, not Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.”
“I am outraged and sad,” Macron said regarding the threats and cyberbullying faced by Jolly and others involved. “Nothing justifies threats against an artist.”
In his remarks, Macron reinforced the commitment to protecting artistic freedom and supporting those who contribute to France’s cultural landscape, despite the challenges they may face.
