French prosecutors have launched an investigation into allegations of cyberbullying made by Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif. Khelif has accused several high-profile figures, including author J.K. Rowling, X owner Elon Musk, and former U.S. President Donald Trump, of participating in online harassment targeted at her based on her gender.
The complaint, filed by Khelif’s lawyer Nabil Boudi, names social media platforms like X rather than individual people. This is a common legal approach in France, allowing investigators to determine who may be responsible. The prosecutor’s Office for the Fight against Crimes against Humanity and Hate Crime has begun investigating charges of “cyber harassment based on gender,” “public insults based on gender,” “public incitement to discrimination,” and “public insults based on origin.”
Khelif, who won gold in women’s boxing at the Paris Olympics, is the first Algerian woman to achieve this and the country’s first Olympic gold medallist since 1996. The complaint follows a wave of misogynistic and racist attacks that Khelif faced during her historic victory.
The controversy erupted after her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, withdrew from their match due to safety concerns. Misinformation spread online falsely claiming that Khelif was transgender or a man. Rowling described the match as “a male punching a female,” while Musk and Trump also made disparaging remarks about the situation.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) defended Khelif and condemned those spreading false information. Despite undergoing gender eligibility testing and being cleared to compete in Paris, Khelif faced intense scrutiny.
In response to the attacks, Khelif stated, “I am a woman like any other.” The editorial in Algeria’s El Moudjahid hailed her victory as a triumph for the oppressed and a stand for the law. Khelif’s coach, Mustapha Bensaou, emphasized that the legal action in France should highlight the need to protect athletes’ rights and honor globally.
