Algerian boxer Imene Khelif, who won the gold medal in the women’s boxing 66kg final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, amidst ‘gender controversy,’ is seen performing a ceremony after her victory at the Stade Roland-Garros in France on the afternoon of the 9th. Olympic Photo Joint Press Corps
‘Amidst the ‘gender controversy,’ Algerian boxer who won the gold medal in the women’s 66kg boxing event at the 2024 Paris Olympics sued Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, and Harry Potter series author J.K. Rowling for ‘online harassment allegations.’
According to the American magazine Variety on the 13th (local time), boxer Imene Khelif’s lawyer Neville Boodh stated that two individuals were included in the complaint submitted to the Paris prosecutor’s online hate prevention center.
Despite rightfully earning the right to participate in the Paris Olympics from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Khelif had to endure criticism and cyber violence regarding her gender.
Most of the cyber attacks occurred on social media, particularly through X, the platform owned by Musk. The controversy escalated as famous individuals joined in.
Musk shared a post on X where former American college swimmer and female athlete Riley Gaines wrote, “Men do not belong in women’s sports,” to which Musk replied, “I completely agree.”
Rowling posted a photo on her X account on the 1st of Khelif and Italian Angela Carini competing in the round of 16, saying, “A man who knows he is protected by sports organizations that hate women. Enjoying the pain of a woman whose lifelong ambition is shattered by taking a punch to the head.”
Rowling also posted several other critical posts regarding Khelif’s Olympic participation.
Khelif’s lawyer stated, “What we demand is for the prosecutor to investigate not only these individuals but also anyone else that is deemed necessary.” He mentioned that former U.S. President Donald Trump could also be a subject of investigation depending on the situation.
Former President Trump also posted a photo of Khelif and Carini on social media, stating, “I will exclude men from women’s sports.”
On the 10th, after winning the gold medal, Khelif stated at a press conference, “The message I want to convey to the world is that everyone should adhere to the Olympic spirit and not slander others. I hope that in the future, there will be no one like me who faces criticism at the Olympics.”