French police investigate threats against Olympic opening ceremony director

The Paris police are investigating death threats and online harassment directed at Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the Olympic opening ceremony.

Despite widespread acclaim for the opening ceremony in France, a particular banquet scene featuring drag queens has sparked considerable controversy, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

Critics, particularly within conservative circles, have accused the scene of parodying Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting, "The Last Supper," which has led to heightened scrutiny and backlash.

Earlier this week, Mr. Jolly lodged a formal complaint after receiving a surge of online threats and insults, some targeting his “sexual orientation,” according to the prosecutor’s office. He was also subjected to abusive remarks based on a mistaken belief that he was Israeli. In response, the Paris prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation into hate speech.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo voiced strong support for Mr. Jolly, stating, “Paris was proud and honored to have his talent in showcasing our city and sharing our story with the world. Now and always, Paris stands firmly with artists, creativity, and freedom.”

A poll conducted the day after the ceremony showed that 86 per cent of French citizens regarded it as a success.

The 2024 Summer Olympics, officially the Games of the 33rd Olympiad and officially branded as Paris 2024, is an ongoing international multi-sport event taking place from July 24 to August 11, 2024 in France.

The Paris Olympics sees the return of sports such as baseball/softball and karate, which were introduced in Tokyo 2020. New additions include skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing, and breaking (breakdancing), reflecting a trend towards youth-oriented and urban sports.