Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif has filed a cyberbullying lawsuit in France, naming prominent figures such as JK Rowling and Elon Musk among the accused. The Algerian boxer, who won the women’s 66kg title at the Paris Olympics, became a subject of intense online scrutiny after competing despite failing a gender test last year.
Khelif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, revealed that the lawsuit, submitted on Tuesday, accuses Rowling and Musk, among others, of aggravated cyber harassment. “JK Rowling and Elon Musk are named in the lawsuit, among others,” Boudi confirmed to Variety. He added that the legal action was filed against unknown persons, allowing French prosecutors to investigate those who participated in what Khelif’s team describes as a “digital lynching.”
Khelif, who has consistently maintained her identity as a woman, has been at the center of a global debate regarding gender eligibility in sports. The controversy reached new heights when Italian boxer Angela Carini withdrew from their match just 46 seconds into the fight, tearfully refusing to shake Khelif’s hand. “I have never been hit so hard by a punch,” Carini stated afterward, fueling further speculation about Khelif’s eligibility.
Rowling and Musk, both with significant online followings, are accused of amplifying the controversy. In one instance, Rowling posted an image of Khelif and Carini after their match, commenting: “The smirk of a male who knows he’s protected by a misogynist sporting establishment enjoying the distress of a woman he’s just punched in the head.” Musk also weighed in, agreeing with activist Riley Gaines’ statement that “men don’t belong in women’s sports.”
The lawsuit, which also references former U.S. President Donald Trump, alleges that Khelif has been subjected to “misogynistic, racist, and sexist” harassment. According to Boudi, the Paris prosecutor’s office will investigate all individuals involved, including those who may have used pseudonyms online.
In response to the widespread backlash, Algerians have rallied in support of Khelif, interpreting the criticism as rooted in racism. Public squares across Algeria were filled with supporters during her gold medal fight, as the event was broadcast live.
Despite the controversy, Khelif’s lawyer emphasized that the boxer remains resolute. “This legal action is not just about defending Imane Khelif but about challenging a broader culture of online abuse,” Boudi stated. The lawsuit aims to hold accountable those who allegedly participated in what Khelif describes as an attempt to undermine her achievements and identity on the world stage.
The International Olympic Committee has acknowledged prior warnings regarding Khelif’s eligibility but disputes the validity of the tests that suggested she had male chromosomes. The International Boxing Association, which initially conducted the gender tests, has since lost its rights to govern global boxing, further complicating the issue.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case continues to spotlight the intersection of gender, identity, and the standards of fairness in international sports competitions.
