Paris, France: Algerian boxing sensation Imane Khelif has filed a lawsuit against high-profile figures Elon Musk and JK Rowling, alleging cyberbullying following a gender controversy that erupted during the Paris Olympics 2024.
Khelif, who made history as the first Algerian woman to win Olympic boxing gold, faced intense online backlash after defeating Italian opponent Angela Carini in the Round of 16. Carini abruptly ended the match after just 46 seconds, claiming she had never been hit so hard.
Could any picture sum up our new men’s rights movement better? The smirk of a male who’s knows he’s protected by a misogynist sporting establishment enjoying the distress of a woman he’s just punched in the head, and whose life’s ambition he’s just shattered. #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/Q5SbKiksXQ
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 1, 2024
The controversy sparked a heated debate on gender and sports, with social media platforms becoming a battleground. Elon Musk and JK Rowling were among those who publicly questioned Imane Khelif participation, fueling a wave of online harassment and cyberbullying against the boxer.
Absolutely https://t.co/twccUEOW9e
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 1, 2024
Khelif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, described the campaign against his client as “misogynist, racist, and sexist.” The lawsuit accuses Musk, Rowling, and others of “aggravated cyber-harassment.”
Despite the ordeal, Khelif triumphed in the Olympic tournament, securing a gold medal for Algeria. She has vowed to use her platform to address issues of gender equality and sportsmanship.
The case has sparked a wider conversation about the impact of social media on athletes and the importance of protecting women in sports.
Also Read: ‘Biological man’ Imane Khalif wins Paris Olympics boxing match in 46 seconds
