Imane Khelif fights back: Olympic champ sues Rowling, Musk for defamation
Imane Khelif, the Olympic champion in women's boxing in the 145-pound category, does not intend to turn a blind eye to the posts targeting her. Her lawyer confirmed that she has taken legal action involving public figures.
Imane Khelif, the Olympic champion from Paris who won gold in women's boxing in the 145-pound category, intends to fight for her good name. In an interview with her lawyer, Variety confirmed that the Algerian boxer wants to hold the haters accountable for posts attacking her. After she won the Olympic medal, social media was flooded with exceptionally controversial posts.
Imane Khelif sues, accuses J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk of cyberbullying
Nabil Boudi, a French lawyer representing Khelif, confirmed her intention to fight for "justice, dignity, and honor" through legal means. The case concerns cyberbullying, and among those named in the lawsuit are J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk. Speaking about the Algerian’s fight, the writer referred to her in masculine terms and suggested that Khelif might be a transgender person. The same was done by, among others, Donald Trump.
Musk, on the other hand, "retweeted" one of the controversial posts, indicating that he shares the same opinion on the matter. Some cite the exclusion of her and Li Yu-ting from Taiwan from the IBA World Championships in 2023 as an argument. Tests were conducted then, but their results were never disclosed aside from verbal assurances. Their credibility and legality were also questioned, as mentioned by IOC spokesperson Mark Adams.
Furthermore, Khelif is not a transgender person but a woman assigned female at birth. The International Olympic Committee confirmed this. Her father also spoke about it in an interview with Sky Sports. Because of similar posts, Imane has become the target of defamation. After her victory, she told reporters:
Imane's lawyer confirmed that Rowling and Musk are mentioned in the lawsuit. However, it is not only about them but primarily about the dozens of anonymous comments that relentlessly attacked his client. It was assured that it also concerns Trump's statements.
J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk are mentioned in the lawsuit, as are others – the boxer's lawyer conveyed. Trump posted, so regardless of whether he is named, he will certainly be taken into account.
Boudi points out that the investigation should include all individuals who may be culpable in the matter. If the case goes to court, those responsible will be held legally accountable.
