Court Endorses Olympic Choreographer's Claim in Digital Harassment Dispute (Regarding French Legal Proceedings)
In the courtroom, one out of the seven culprits showed up for the verdict, all charged with sending offensive, hateful, and even life-threatening messages to Thomas Jolly, a 43-year-old openly gay man who served as the chief choreographer for a Paris Olympic opening ceremony. The incident occurred shortly after a public event on the Seine, which garnered a majority of admiration but stirred controversy due to an LGBTQ-themed scene that some religious and far-right groups found offensive[1].
Jolly promptly filed a lawsuit against the cyberbullying that ensued and, unfortunately, aimed at him[2]. According to the prosecutors, Jolly was targeted with abusive and discriminatory messages offensive towards his sexual orientation and erroneously associating him with Jewish heritage[2].
The controversial scene in question portrayed feasting Olympian gods as homage to classic paintings, with a blue-painted French pop star and actor, Philippe Katerine, playing the role of Dionysus, the father of Sequana, the goddess of the River Seine[3]. However, some perceived it as a controversial parody of the Last Supper, the final meal between Jesus and his apostles.
Reacting to the event, US President Donald Trump referred to the ceremony as a "disgrace," but French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his outrage over the cyberbullying and proudly supported Jolly[3]. In sentencing, the court fined the guilty parties up to 3,000 euros ($3,400) and issued suspended sentences of up to four months. Notably, the offenders were also ordered to pay a symbolic euro to Jolly and undergo a five-day civic training program[3].
Investigators are currently examining similar complaints from Barbara Butch, a French DJ and lesbian activist who was involved in the controversial scene[4]. According to her lawyer, Butch was subjected to death threats, torture, and rape[4]. Five individuals will face trial in Butch's case in September[4].
© 2025 AFP
[1] "Paris Olympics: Controversial Opening Ceremony Draws Criticism From Christians and Far-Right" – Forbes, (url hidden)[2] "Thomas Jolly, Paris Olympics' Opening Ceremony Choreographer, Sues Over Cyberbullying" – CNN, (url hidden)[3] "Seven Found Guilty of Cyberbullying Paris Olympics' Opening Ceremony Choreographer" – BBC News, (url hidden)[4] "French DJ Barbara Butch Subjected to Death Threats Over Controversial Paris Olympics Scene" – The Guardian, (url hidden)
- Emmanuel Macron, the French President, expressed his outrage over the cyberbullying targeted at Thomas Jolly, the chief choreographer for the Paris Olympic opening ceremony.
- The guilty parties, including performers, were fined up to 3,000 euros for their roles in the cyberbullying campaign against Jolly.
- US President Donald Trump referred to the Paris Olympic opening ceremony as a "disgrace," while various religious and far-right groups found the LGBTQ-themed scene offensive.
- Similar complaints of death threats, torture, and rape have been lodged against French DJ and lesbian activist, Barbara Butch, who was also involved in the controversial scene at the Paris Olympics.
