Seven charged in cyberbullying campaign targeting Paris Olympics’ artistic director Thomas Jolly [Video]

Jolly became the target of an online hate campaign filled with homophobic and antisemitic abuse following his acclaimed but controversial queer-inclusive opening show in July. He filed a complaint on July 31.

The Paris prosecutor’s office, which launched an investigation, reported on Friday that the arrests mark only the “first wave” of detentions, with more expected as authorities expand their probe.

The seven defendants, who are 22 to 79 years old, face charges of making death threats, aggravated insults, and cyberbullying, with potential prison sentences and significant fines.

Jolly’s opening ceremony was a daring blend of French tradition and LGBTQ+ expression, featuring drag performers, flamboyant runway sequences, and a scene that some have drawn parallels with Da Vinci’s The Last Supper.

The event, held along the Seine and featuring stars like …