Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has filed a criminal complaint that includes J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk, alleging their involvement in ‘acts of aggravated cyber harassment.’
As reported by Variety, Khelif has approached French authorities regarding the online harassment she faced during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Nabil Boudi, the attorney representing Khelif in Paris, confirmed to Variety that both Musk and Rowling are referenced in the complaint, which was submitted to the anti-online hatred center of the Paris public prosecutor’s office on August 9.
Boudi stated that the lawsuit targets X (formerly Twitter) to ensure that the prosecution can thoroughly investigate all individuals involved, including those who may have used aliases to disseminate hate.
By filing the complaint against X, it allows Khelif’s team to pursue action against unidentified individuals, while still naming prominent figures like Rowling and Musk in the allegations.
“J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk are named in the lawsuit, among others,” Boudi confirmed to Variety. He also added that Donald Trump would be part of the investigation saying, “Trump tweeted, so whether or not he is named in our lawsuit, he will inevitably be looked into as part of the prosecution.”
Boudi emphasized that while the complaint includes certain names, he anticipates that the prosecution will investigate these individuals and anyone deemed relevant.
He noted that if the case proceeds to court, those involved will face trial, and it may also implicate figures abroad.
After her bout with Italy’s Angela Carini, Khelif faced a surge of online hostility and false information concerning her eligibility to participate in the women’s boxing category at the Olympics.
During the peak of the debate, Rowling shared an image from Khelif’s match against Carini on Twitter, alleging that Carini was a man who was “reveling in the suffering of a woman he had just struck in the head.”
In response, Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur, commented on a post by swimmer Riley Gaines, who stated that “men don’t belong in women’s sports,” affirming with a simple, “Absolutely.”
Former President Trump also weighed in, sharing a message alongside a photo from Khelif’s fight with Carini, declaring, “I will keep men out of women’s sports!” Khelif, who was assigned female at birth, is recognized as female on her passport.
Despite facing significant online backlash, the boxer excelled during her Olympic journey, ultimately securing a gold medal in the women’s 66kg final.
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