Imane Khelif gender row: Olympic gold medallist names Elon Musk and JK Rowling in 'cyber harassment' complaint

Khelif names Elon Musk and JK Rowling in 'cyber harassment' complaint. (PTI Photo)

Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, triumphed at the Paris 2024 Olympics, clinching the gold medal. Despite being referred to as a "biological male," Khelif remained focused on her performances in the ring, undeterred by external criticism.

Following the Games, Khelif decided to pursue legal action against the gender-based harassment she encountered during the Olympics, naming high-profile figures such as Elon Musk and JK Rowling in her complaint.

According to Khelif's lawyer, Nabil Boudi, the legal complaint lodged with a special unit in the Paris prosecutor's office includes Rowling and Musk among those accused of perpetrating online harassment against the boxer.

Khelif’s landmark achievement of becoming Algeria’s first female boxer to win an Olympic gold medal was marred by controversy surrounding her disqualification from the women’s World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA), following allegations of failing a gender eligibility test.

Boudi described the campaign against Khelif as "misogynist, racist and sexist." He told Variety that while specific individuals have been named in the complaint, additional names might be included if the case advances to court.

The prosecution is expected to investigate not only those named but also others deemed relevant to the case.

Both Musk and Rowling referred to Khelif as a "male," with Rowling suggesting that Khelif was deriving pleasure from the distress of her opponent, Italy’s Angela Carini, after their match.

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August 1, 2024

Khelif’s legal action seeks to address the online abuse and harassment she faced during the Olympic Games, aiming to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

(With Agency Inputs)