Algerian boxing gold medalist Imane Khelif has initiated legal proceedings against several high-profile individuals, including Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling, for alleged cyber harassment. The lawsuit, filed in France, stems from the intense online backlash Khelif endured during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where false claims about her gender circulated widely.
Khelif’s attorney, Nabil Boudi, revealed that the complaint targets X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, accusing it of facilitating “acts of aggravated cyber harassment” against the Olympic champion. The suit also names J.K. Rowling, known for her outspoken views on gender and transgender issues, as a key figure in the online harassment campaign.
The controversy surrounding Khelif erupted after she was disqualified from the previous year’s Women’s World Championship following a gender eligibility test that indicated elevated testosterone levels. This incident, combined with her subsequent Olympic victory, ignited a firestorm of online debate and misinformation about her gender identity.
Boudi has also indicated that former US President Donald Trump is under investigation as part of the broader case. The extent of Trump’s involvement in the online harassment campaign is still under scrutiny.
Khelif’s decision to pursue legal action marks a significant step in addressing the issue of online harassment and misinformation, particularly as it impacts athletes and public figures. The case is likely to have far-reaching implications for social media platforms and their responsibility in moderating content.
