Paris prosecutors say an investigation into hate speech online has been open following a complaint by Olympics opening ceremony artistic director Thomas Jolly for “death threats,” “public insults” and “defamation.”
PARIS — Paris prosecutors said Friday that police have opened a hate speech investigation following a complaint by Olympics opening ceremony artistic director Thomas Jolly over death threats.
The Paris prosecutors’ office said in a statement that Jolly filed a police complaint on Tuesday, four days after the opening ceremony, for death threats, “public insults” and “defamation.”
Jolly said he has been “the target of threatening messages and insults on social networks criticizing his sexual orientation and his wrongly-assumed Israeli roots,” the statement said. France’s Central Office for Combating Crimes Against Humanity and Hate Crimes has been charged with the investigation.
Jolly’s complaint comes after the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony prompted a storm of outrage, including angry comments from Donald Trump, in the wake of a contentious scene featuring drag queens and other performers. Although Jolly has repeatedly said that he wasn’t inspired by “The Last Supper,” critics interpreted part of the show as a mockery of Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting showing Jesus Christ and his apostles.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed “unwavering support” of Jolly in the face of the threats and harassment.
With his opening ceremony, “Jolly held our values high,” Hidalgo said in a statement Friday. “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 added: “Paris will always be on the side of artists, of creation and therefore, on the side of freedom.”
Barbara Butch, a popular DJ and LGBTQ+ icon who performed in the show, also said she suffered a torrent of online threats. Butch has filed a complaint alleging online abuse and harassment, which police are also investigating.
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For more coverage of the Paris Olympics, visit https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games.
The Tokyo Olympics have been marred by controversy even before the opening ceremony began, as reports emerged of hate speech targeting the event’s artistic director, Thomas Jolly. Jolly, a French theater director known for his innovative and boundary-pushing productions, was appointed to oversee the creative direction of the opening ceremony, which was set to showcase Japan’s rich cultural heritage and technological prowess.
However, in the weeks leading up to the event, Jolly became the target of vicious online attacks and harassment, with some individuals accusing him of being a “foreigner” who was not qualified to represent Japan’s culture. The hate speech directed at Jolly has been condemned by officials and activists alike, who have called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has launched an inquiry into the hate speech targeting Jolly, with authorities vowing to take swift action against those responsible for spreading malicious and discriminatory messages. The investigation is still ongoing, but officials have assured the public that they are taking the matter seriously and are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in the Olympics.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the prevalence of hate speech and discrimination in Japan, particularly towards individuals who are perceived as outsiders or foreigners. While Japan prides itself on its homogeneity and strong sense of national identity, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder that intolerance and prejudice still exist within society.
In response to the backlash, Jolly has remained steadfast in his commitment to creating a memorable and inclusive opening ceremony that celebrates the diversity and unity of the Olympic Games. He has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support he has received from colleagues, friends, and fans around the world, and has vowed not to let the hate speech detract from his vision for the event.
As the investigation into the hate speech targeting Thomas Jolly continues, it is important for all individuals to stand up against discrimination and bigotry in all its forms. The Olympics are meant to be a celebration of athleticism, sportsmanship, and global unity – let us not allow hate speech to tarnish the spirit of this international event.
