"'Last Supper' Drag Queen Performer: 'Will Take Legal Action Against Murder Threats' [Paris Olympics]"

"Targeted as Anti-Semite and Homophobe After Performance"

At the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, a DJ and LGBTQ+ activist who appeared as a drag queen has taken legal action against cyberbullying and defamation directed at them. Earlier, controversy arose when drag queen performers parodied Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece "The Last Supper," appearing as Jesus' apostles during the opening ceremony performance.

A parody scene of 'The Last Supper' (left) during the opening ceremony performance of the Paris Olympics and Leonardo da Vinci's artwork 'The Last Supper'. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 30th (local time), according to the British daily The Guardian, Barbara Buchi's lawyer stated via Instagram that Buchi has received threats of murder, torture, and sexual assault following the opening ceremony performance, and has been targeted with insults from anti-Semites, homophobes, and sexists.

The lawyer also said that Buchi has filed multiple formal complaints requesting a police investigation into cyberbullying and defamation. Furthermore, legal action will be taken against anyone who threatens Buchi regardless of their nationality. In a statement posted on Instagram, Buchi said, "I take responsibility for everything, including my artistic choices," and added, "I have refused to be a victim all my life and will not keep silent."

Buchi appeared in a scene titled "Festivity" related to the controversial performance, which the director explained symbolized a feast of the Greek gods on Mount Olympus. This scene featured French singer Philippe Catherine playing Dionysus, along with drag queens representing gods and goddesses such as Poseidon, Artemis, and Venus.

Some critics, including certain Christians and American conservatives, interpreted this scene as mocking da Vinci's "The Last Supper," which depicts Jesus' final meal with his apostles. There were also criticisms that it excessively disregarded religious sensitivities.

In response, the Paris Olympic Organizing Committee expressed regret on the 29th. However, they explained that the scene was intended to celebrate the community's spirit of "tolerance." The committee stated, "If people felt offended, of course we regret that," but added, "It was meant to celebrate the community's spirit of tolerance and was never intended to disrespect any religious group. We believe this intention was clearly conveyed."