Olympic opening ceremony star hits out at abuse over ‘Last Supper’ performance

Sign up to Roisin O’Connor’s free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Barbara Butch's lawyer said in a letter posted to the DJ's Instagram that Butch “has been threatened with death, torture and rape, and has also been the target of numerous anti-Semitic, homophobic, sexist and grossophobic insults.” Butch’s agent confirmed to The Associated Press that the Instagram account is the DJ’s. Although the ceremony's artistic director Thomas Jolly has repeatedly said that he wasn't inspired by “The Last Supper,” critics interpreted part of the show that featured Butch as a mockery of Leonardo Da Vinci's painting showing Jesus Christ and his apostles. The statement said Butch has been “the target of an extremely violent campaign of cyber-harrassment and defamation.” Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 4 month free trial Sign up Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 4 month free trial Sign up In a statement of her own, also posted on Instagram, Butch said: “Whatever some may say, I exist. All my life, I’ve refused to be a victim: I won’t shut up.” Her lawyer’s statement said legal complaints would be filed regardless of “whether committed by French nationals or foreigners and intends to prosecute anyone who tries to intimidate her in the future.” She said she “was extremely honored” to perform in Friday’s ceremony and “my heart is still full of joy.” “I’m committed, and I’m proud.