Paris: Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who clinched gold in the women’s welterweight division at the Paris tournament on Friday, has become the center of attention not only for her historic achievement but also due to the controversy surrounding her gender.
The Gender Dispute
Khelif’s remarkable victory marked Algeria’s first-ever gold medal in women’s boxing at the Olympics. However, her triumph was marred by allegations from the International Boxing Association (IBA). The IBA disqualified her from the women’s World Championships last year, citing a failed gender eligibility test. Despite this setback, Khelif, born female and not identifying as transgender or intersex, was cleared to compete by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Online Harassment and High-Profile Figures
In the wake of her victory, Khelif faced a barrage of online abuse. False claims circulated, suggesting she was transgender or even a “biological man.” Prominent influencers, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, and former U.S. President Donald Trump, amplified these harmful narratives. Rowling referred to Khelif as male on Musk’s platform, while Musk endorsed anti-transgender sentiments in women’s sports.
Legal Action and Investigation
Khelif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, took swift action. On Friday, he filed a complaint with a special unit in the Paris prosecutor’s office dedicated to combating online hate speech. Boudi characterized the attacks against Khelif as an “aggravated cyber-harassment” campaign fueled by misogyny, racism, and sexism. Notably, the lawsuit also names Donald Trump, who will be investigated for his involvement through social media.
Angela Carini’s Withdrawal
The controversy escalated when Angela Carini, Khelif’s opponent, tearfully withdrew from their bout, citing unfairness. Carini described Khelif’s punches as the hardest she had ever experienced, adding to the drama surrounding the Algerian boxer.
Khelif’s Response
In response, Khelif emphasized that her gold medal symbolized “dignity and honor” to the IBA. She expressed pride in having her story known worldwide and firmly rejected doubts about her gender. Khelif called those who questioned her identity “enemies of success” and hoped that future Olympics would uphold the Olympic Charter’s values.
