Olympic Champ Imane Khelif Sues JK Rowling, Elon Musk For Cyberbullying

Algerian Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif has filed a legal complaint, which names J K Rowling, Elon Musk and others, for aggravated cyber harassment.

In a statement, Khelif’s attorney described the harassment as a “misogynist, racist and sexist campaign” against the boxer during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Rowling and Musk Accused of Cyberbullying

The lawsuit filed against X was submitted to the Paris public prosecutor’s office for combatting online hate speech.

The complaint focuses on derogatory comments made by the high-profile figures on social media, particularly surrounding Khelif’s gender eligibility. 

Despite confirmation from the International Olympic Committee that Khelif is biologically female, she faced a wave of accusations and harassment. 

Rowling and Musk’s public comments on X (formerly Twitter) contributed to the online abuse, which Khelif claims affected her deeply during the competition. Donald Trump’s tweets will also be investigated, Variety reports.

Cyber Harassment Lawsuit

Filed by Khelif’s attorney, Nabil Boudi, the lawsuit could have international repercussions, as the French authorities may seek legal assistance from other countries to investigate the involved parties. 

Khelif, who won gold in the women’s 66-kilogram boxing category, faced intense scrutiny and attacks online, which her coach, Pedro Diaz, described as unprecedented. 

Boudi told Variety that although the complaint mentions names, “What we’re asking is that the prosecution investigates not only these people but whoever it feels necessary.”

Despite the harassment, Khelif’s focus on her sport led her to victory, though the impact of the online abuse remains significant.

Feature Image Credit: MOHD RASFAN/AFP/Getty Images