Five men tried for cyberstalking of DJ Barbara Butch
Paris justice authorities have sought prison sentences, with or without suspended sentences, against five individuals accused of harassing online the DJ Barbara Butch following the Olympic Games.
Five men tried for cyberstalking of DJ Barbara Butch
French justice authorities have sought criminal penalties, potentially including custodial sentences with or without suspension, against five defendants prosecuted for massively harassing the musician Barbara Butch on the internet. These events date back to the period following her intervention during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
The magistrates from the Paris prosecutor's office accuse the defendants of exercising "massive digital violence" which led to a deterioration in the complainant's health, thus constituting "clearly characterised cyberstalking". The Paris municipality had previously reported these actions to the prosecutor's office.
The artistic director of the 2026 edition of Nuit Blanche suffered significant physical and psychological consequences: the development of agoraphobia, the onset of psoriasis and the need for medication to treat depression. To protect herself, she drastically reduced her exposure to digital platforms.
In media testimonies, the DJ spoke of the support of her family and friends, as well as the assistance of mental health professionals. She explained that it was humanly impossible for her to directly face such an outpouring of hatred.
The former mayor of the capital, Anne Hidalgo, had publicly taken a stand to defend the musician against homophobic and sizist attacks, asserting that she embodied Parisian values of equality and tolerance.
In parallel with this legal proceeding, Barbara Butch faces recurring criticism in conservative media concerning her remuneration of 42,000 euros for the organisation of Nuit Blanche and the use of places of worship in an artistic context.
Source: Le HuffPost
Source: Google News LU FR