Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has filed a lawsuit against J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk, among others, for what she claims are acts of aggravated cyber harassment following her victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Khelif, who won gold in the women’s 66kg weight category, faced significant backlash online after her opponent, Angela Carini, walked out of the ring just 46 seconds into their match, claiming she had “never been hit so hard in her life.” This incident reignited discussions about a failed “gender eligibility test” Khelif underwent at the 2023 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, leading to her being banned from competing in women’s events by the International Boxing Association (IBA). However, the IOC did not recognize this ban due to concerns over the IBA’s integrity, allowing Khelif to compete in the Olympics.
The lawsuit, filed with the French judicial system, specifically targets comments made by Rowling and Musk on social media. Rowling had posted on X (formerly Twitter), accusing Khelif of being a man who was “enjoying the distress of a woman he’s just punched in the head,” a remark that drew widespread attention. Musk also weighed in by quoting a post from swimmer Riley Gaines that said, “men don’t belong in women’s sports,” adding his agreement with, “Absolutely.” The lawsuit is filed against “unknown persons,” allowing the prosecution to investigate anyone involved, including anonymous accounts and those using pseudonyms.
Khelif’s legal team, led by Paris-based lawyer Nabil Boudi, has indicated that former U.S. President Donald Trump could also be included in the case due to comments he made on Truth Social, where he vowed to “keep men out of women’s sports.” The lawsuit aims to address the intense and harmful online discourse that Khelif has faced, which she argues has crossed into harassment territory.
This legal action highlights the ongoing debate surrounding transgender and gender-nonconforming athletes in sports. Khelif, who has always identified as female and holds a passport confirming her gender, has found herself at the center of this controversy. The lawsuit represents a significant step in her fight to protect her identity and reputation amidst the vitriolic and widespread criticism she has encountered online.
