Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who won gold at the Paris Olympics amid gender controversy, has filed a lawsuit for online harassment against high-profile figures, including Elon Musk and JK Rowling, while a new viral video showcases her elegance in an Algerian djellaba.
New Delhi: Algerian champion boxer Imane Khelif won gold at the recent Paris Olympics and came under scrutiny and gender questioning during said competition—being labelled a ‘biological male.’ Nothing seemed to deter her from her performances. With the Games over, Imane Khelif filed a lawsuit regarding online harassment against high-profile people like Tesla owner Elon Musk and famous British author JK Rowling.
Another video of Imane Khelif has gone viral as the row over her gender continues to escalate. In the footage, Imane is wearing an Algerian djellaba, complemented with makeup, floral hoop earrings, and an Olympic gold medal hanging around her neck.
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif shows off dramatic new feminine makeover, days after winning gold at the Paris Olympics. pic.twitter.com/6nlFR9HSJr
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) August 15, 2024
Imane Khelif filed a complaint on Wednesday before a special unit at the Paris prosecutor’s office responsible for combating online hate received during the Olympic Games. Nabil Boudi, one of her attorneys, described the campaign against the boxer as “misogynist, racist, and sexist.”
Boudi informed American publication *Variety*, “JK Rowling and Elon Musk are named in the lawsuit, among others. Trump tweeted, so whether or not he is named in our lawsuit, he will inevitably be looked into as part of the prosecution.”
While certain individuals are named in the complaint, additional parties could be added if the case proceeds to court. Boudi stated, “What we’re asking is that the prosecution investigates not only these people but anyone it deems necessary. If the case goes to court, they will stand trial.”
Both Elon Musk and JK Rowling referred to Imane Khelif as a “male,” with Rowling specifically criticizing Khelif for “enjoying the distress of a woman” following the Algerian boxer’s victory over Italy’s Angela Carini. For context, Carini was visibly upset after her defeat to Khelif in the Round of 16 at the Paris Olympics.
Imane Khelif only addressed the controversy after securing her gold medal at the Games.
“Now the whole world knows the story of Imane Khelif,” said the Algerian. “It’s a dream for every athlete. If I qualify or not? If I’m a woman or not? I made many statements in the media. I’m fully qualified, I’m a woman, I was born a woman, I lived a woman, there’s no doubt about that.
“These people [who claim I am not], they are the enemies of success, it’s what I call them, it gives my success a special taste because of these attacks.
“… I hope that people will commit to the Olympic charter and its values. We’re here to perform to our audience and families. I hope we will not see similar attacks in these Olympics.”
