Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, celebrated for winning the gold medal in women's welterweight boxing at the recent Olympics, has become the center of a significant cyberbullying investigation. French prosecutors have opened a case in response to Khelif's complaint, which alleges that she was subjected to a campaign of online harassment that was misogynistic, racist, and sexist. The names of several high-profile individuals, including author JK Rowling, social media platform X owner Elon Musk, and former US President Donald Trump, have been mentioned in the complaint filed by Khelif's lawyer, Nabil Boudi.
The investigation, led by the French Office for the Fight against Crimes against Humanity and Hate Crime, is focused on charges of cyber harassment based on gender, public insults, and incitement to discrimination. Notably, the lawsuit targets social media platforms rather than specific individuals, a common practice in French law that allows investigators to determine liability. Khelif's case sheds light on the darker side of social media, where prominent figures can influence public perception and contribute to harmful narratives.
Khelif made history as Algeria’s first gold medalist in women’s boxing and the first athlete from the country to achieve this feat since 1996. However, her victory was marred by controversy, particularly after her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, withdrew from their match, citing safety concerns. This incident sparked a wave of online criticism and unfounded rumors, including false claims suggesting that Khelif was transgender or a man. Such misinformation intensified the harassment she faced during and after the Olympic Games.
In a post on X, JK Rowling referred to Khelif's match in a way that many interpreted as derogatory, stating it was “a male punching a female.” Elon Musk echoed similar sentiments, asserting that “men don’t belong in women’s sports,” while Trump shared a photo of the bout with a caption promising to keep men out of women’s sports. These statements contributed to the hostile environment surrounding Khelif and exemplified how influential figures can perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
The International Olympic Committee has publicly defended Khelif, condemning the spread of misinformation about her gender. Khelif, along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, had previously been cleared to compete in the Paris Games after facing disqualification from last year’s world championship due to gender eligibility testing overseen by the International Boxing Association. This background adds another layer to the scrutiny Khelif has faced within the sports community.
Amidst the turmoil, Khelif has firmly stated her identity, asserting, “I was born a woman, lived a woman, and competed as a woman.” Her resilience has garnered support from fans and fellow athletes alike, with cheers of “tahia Imane”, long live Imane, welcoming her upon her return to Algiers. An editorial in the Algerian government daily, El Moudjahid, praised her victory as a triumph for the oppressed and a stand against those who seek to undermine individuals through harassment.
Khelif’s coach, Mustapha Bensaou, emphasized the importance of her complaint, asserting that it should serve as a lesson in defending the rights and dignity of athletes globally. He stated that all individuals involved in the harassment would be held accountable, highlighting the need for a collective effort to protect athletes from similar attacks. The investigation into the cyberbullying claims against Khelif underscores the ongoing struggle against discrimination and harassment in sports, particularly for women athletes navigating a challenging landscape.
