Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling Named in Imane Khelif’s Lawsuit

Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling have been named in a complaint filed by Olympic gold medalist, Imane Khelif in France, while former U.S. President Donald Trump will be investigated for a comment he made online regarding criticisms and allegations of sexism directed at Khelif.

A few days after Imane Khelif lodged a legal complaint with the anti-hate online center of the Paris prosecutor’s office, high-profile figures such as Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling were mentioned in the case. The complaint was filed against an unidentified individual or entity referred to as “X.” Attorney Nabil Boudi confirmed that Musk and Rowling are among those cited in the lawsuit.

Attorney Boudi also noted that former President Trump will be investigated in connection with his tweet on the matter, although it is unclear if he will be officially named in the complaint. “Trump tweeted, so whether or not he is named in our lawsuit, he will inevitably be looked into as part of the prosecution,” Boudi stated.

Before winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics in the 66kg weight division, Khelif allegedly failed a gender test at the 2023 International Boxing Association (IBA). Her quick victory against Italian boxer Angela Carini, who withdrew from their match after just 46 seconds, triggered significant criticism and backlash, potentially related to the gender eligibility allegations. Despite being born female and never identifying as transgender or intersex, Khelif faced widespread accusations and harassment online. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed that “Scientifically, this is not a man fighting a woman.”

Following Carini’s withdrawal, J.K. Rowling took to social media, writing: “The idea that those objecting to a male punching a female in the name of sport are objecting because they believe Khelif to be ‘trans’ is a joke. We objected because we saw a male punching a female.”

The controversy escalated as more prominent figures joined the discussion. Rowling, with her 14.2 million followers, posted a picture of Khelif’s fight against Carini, tweeting, “enjoying the distress of a woman he has just punched in the head.” After the match, former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines tweeted: “Men don’t belong in women’s sports #IStandWithAngelaCarini.” Elon Musk then reposted Gaines’ tweet, adding, “Absolutely.” Trump also weighed in, sharing a photo of the fight with the caption, “I will keep men out of women’s sports.”

Logan Paul, another prominent figure, declared on his social media page, “This is the purest form of evil unfolding right before our eyes. A man was allowed to beat a woman on a gold stage, crushing her life’s dream while fighting for her deceased father. This delusion must end.” However, Paul later deleted the post, admitting, “I might be guilty of spreading misinformation.” Attorney Boudi responded by stating that such apologies would not affect the ongoing investigation, as the facts remain unchanged.

Boudi emphasized, “What we are asking is that the prosecution investigate not only these people but whoever it feels necessary. If the case goes to court, they will stand trial.”

Although the case was filed in France, Boudi pointed out that it could have international implications. The French prosecutor’s office for combating online hate speech can request mutual legal assistance from other countries, including the United States. He also noted that while it is up to lawmakers to issue sanctions against platforms, judicial authorities are increasingly treating cyber harassment cases with severity, sometimes resulting in prison sentences.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) defended their decision to allow Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting to participate in the Summer Games. In a statement released after Khelif’s first fight, the IOC said, “We have seen in reports misleading information about two female athletes competing at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The two athletes have been competing in international boxing competitions for many years in the women’s category, including the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships, and IBA-sanctioned tournaments. These two athletes were victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA. Towards the end of the IBA World Championship in 2023, they were suddenly disqualified without any due process.”

Khelif’s coach expressed concern over the online harassment Khelif has faced and its impact on her, hoping for justice to be served. While the case is ongoing, Khelif returned home to a hero’s welcome for the gold medal she won.

Mimi Mefo Info