PARIS (AP) — Seven people charged in connection with incident cyber bullying It targets Thomas Jolly, the artistic genius behind it. ‘Paris Olympics’ French officials announced that the opening and closing ceremonies will be held on Friday.

Online attacks erupt after Jolly’s acclaimed but controversial opening july show On the River Seine – a strange, involving, high-energy fusion of tradition and modernity that is too bold for some to ignore.

The abuse quickly escalated, laced with homophobic and anti-Semitic slurs, and reportedly aimed to silence the artistic intent behind the show. Jolly responded by filing a formal complaint with the Paris prosecutor’s office on July 31; This triggered an investigation that led to a “first wave” of arrests, with more expected as the investigation progresses.

Seven people, aged between 22 and 79, are facing death threats, aggravated insults and cyberbullying; These are serious allegations that carry the weight of potential jail time and hefty fines.

CheerfulA thespian maverick known for blending bold cultural themes with LGBTQ+ celebrations, he envisioned his production illuminating the City of Light as a vibrant, inclusive depiction of French diversity. Jolly’s star-studded opening ceremony, featuring prominent figures from the gay community including Celine Dion and Lady Gaga. However, the drag performers, high-energy catwalk walks, and especially the scene that some interpreted as the “Last Supper” drew the ire of far-right politicians and religious figures around the world.

Hungarian Ambassador to the Vatican Eduard Habsburg condemned this scene as sacrilege, sarcastically remarking: “Beheading the Habsburgs and mocking central Christian events are the FIRST two things that come to mind when you think of the #OlympicGames.” US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump went further, calling the scene a “disgrace”.

Although Jolly later clarified that any similarity to “The Last Supper” was unintentional, the backlash continued to grow, with both criticism and support for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ elements.

In the middle of the chaos Jolly told French MPs last month He said there is a distinction between constructive criticism and discriminatory attacks against him.

“Criticism, that’s my life… but when it involves discrimination, it becomes a crime,” he said.

He defended his vision by emphasizing that the purpose of the show was neither offensive nor religious, and expressed that he did not believe that any of his work could be interpreted as disrespectful.

He stated that he used the references to the Notre Dame Cathedral not as a religious expression, but as a tribute to France’s cultural heritage, and emphasized, “I did not want to mock any religion.”

Support for Jolly came from the arts community, including fellow artists who were subjected to online harassment. LGBTQ+ advocate and DJ Barbara Butch, who performed at the Olympic ceremony, and Drag Race France presenter Nicky Doll were also among those harassed. Although only Jolly’s name was mentioned in the prosecutor’s official statement, the wave of hostility spread to others involved in the production.

Among the artists is Hugo Bardin, known as the transvestite Paloma. expressed pride in the event’s bold message ensured his participation and described it as “a truly important moment for the French people and for the representation of France around the world”.

Drag Race France winner Le Filip echoed this sentiment, describing the ceremony as a “crowning moment” for the LGBTQ+ community and “a postcard for France” showcasing a modern, inclusive nation. He also expressed that he was shocked by the reaction to Jolly’s event.

On Friday, the prosecutor’s office emphasized the seriousness of the charges and arrests, saying the case reflected a disturbing pattern of cyberbullying and hate speech directed at prominent figures.

It said the suspects attempted to “intimidate and silence expressions of inclusivity and diversity” at a highly public and symbolic event.

The arrests are seen as the first step in France’s fight against cyberbullying, which authorities say is becoming increasingly sophisticated. In the Jolly case, prosecutors noted disturbing “collective behavior” by attackers acting independently to escalate harassment, a pattern seen in other online hate campaigns.

The seven defendants will appear in court on March 5.

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