Targeting of DJ Barbara Butch in France

A series of incidents involving DJ Barbara Butch has highlighted tensions regarding political expression and antisemitism in France.

In August, a performance by the artist at the Cabaret Frappé festival in Grenoble was interrupted after twenty minutes due to verbal abuse and the throwing of glass projectiles. The hostility was linked to a social media campaign targeting her for supporting the Yadan law, which aims to recognize anti-Zionism as a form of antisemitism in French law. Critics noted the targeting appeared motivated by both her political stance and her Jewish identity.

By September, the situation escalated to the cancellation of a scheduled event at the La Lune des Pirates venue in Amiens. Following a boycott call from the association France-Palestine Solidarité, organizers stated they could no longer guarantee security or public reception. While the association claimed victory, supporters of the DJ characterized the boycott as a pretext for antisemitic attacks. The cancellation drew political condemnation, with the minister delegate for the fight against discrimination, Aurore Bergé, describing the decision as an “act of cowardice.”