Trial Begins for Seven Accused of Cyberharassment Against Paris Olympics Director Thomas Jolly

The accused face charges of death threats, aggravated insults, and harassment following the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony, which drew backlash from far-right and conservative groups.

• Seven individuals, aged 22 to 79, are on trial in Paris for cyberharassment and death threats against Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
• The defendants are accused of sending homophobic, antisemitic, and hateful messages, including threats of violence, on social media after the ceremony aired in July 2024.
• The controversy stemmed from a performance titled 'Festivité,' which featured drag queens and was criticized by conservative and far-right groups as a perceived parody of Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper.'
• Thomas Jolly filed a police complaint in July 2024, citing large-scale harassment and discrimination targeting his sexual orientation and alleged religious identity.
• Other artists involved in the ceremony, including DJ Barbara Butch and drag performer Nicky Doll, have also faced cyberharassment and filed related complaints, with further trials scheduled later in the year.

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