"Barbara Butch -- her stage name -- was inundated by hateful messages after the Olympics opening ceremony in July last year. READ MORE: What jurisdiction do French courts have over people outside France? The body-positive feminist was at the centre of a scene including dancers and drag queens during the show that was reminiscent of depictions of the Last Supper, the final meal that Jesus is said to have shared with his apostles."
"During a hearing in September, Barbara Butch said she had "just wanted to bury herself and disappear at that moment". She said she developed agoraphobia and psoriasis after the harassment and needed antidepressants. Her lawyer, Audrey Msellati, said the threats had severely impacted her client's health, causing insomnia, months of nightmares, weight gain and fear of leaving her home. The defendants present at the hearing, including a student, a father and carer, admitted to sending messages but denied they were threatening or constituted harassment."
Four men were convicted of online harassment and threats against French DJ Barbara Butch following her appearance in the Paris Olympics opening ceremony; sentences ranged from four months suspended to ten months in jail. A fifth man was acquitted. The performance included dancers and drag queens in a scene likened to the Last Supper; organisers said they intended to portray a pagan feast and meant no offence. The backlash involved Catholic groups, French bishops and then-candidate Donald Trump. Barbara Butch reported severe mental and physical health effects including agoraphobia, psoriasis, insomnia, nightmares and the need for antidepressants. Defendants admitted sending messages but denied they were threatening.
Read at The Local France
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