High-profile names implicated in cyberbullying case
Former U.S. President Donald Trump and British author J.K. Rowling are among the high-profile individuals named in a cyberbullying lawsuit filed by Algerian boxer Imane Khelif. The lawsuit, accepted by the French prosecutor’s office, follows a barrage of online insults and harassment that Khelif claims she has endured since her rise to international fame.
Imane Khelif, who recently won gold in the women’s 66kg boxing category, has spoken out for the first time since the legal action was initiated.
Khelif’s emotional interview
In an exclusive interview with Algerian news channel EL BIRAD, Khelif revealed the emotional toll that the online hate campaign has taken on her. The boxer discussed how the backlash began after her first Olympic appearance, which sparked controversy regarding her gender. “There was a lot of uproar from big politicians around the world, athletes around the world, and even artists and stars like Elon Musk and Trump, which affected me. I’m not lying to you, it got to me. It affected me a lot, it hurt me a lot. I can’t describe the fear I had,” Khelif shared during the interview.
Impact of cyberbullying and support from Algeria
Khelif warned of the destructive potential of such harassment, admitting that she sought professional help to cope with the emotional strain. Despite the challenges, she expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support she has received from the people of Algeria, where she is celebrated as a national icon. “For her femininity, courage, and will,” the people of Algeria have rallied behind her during this difficult time.
The lawsuit specifically targets Trump for his derogatory remarks, in which he allegedly referred to Khelif as a man and incorrectly claimed she was transgender. “It is a great shame for my family, for the honour of my family, for the honour of Algeria, for the women of Algeria, and especially for the Arab world. Everyone knows that I am a Muslim girl,” Khelif stated, emphasizing the personal and cultural impact of the insults. Twitter owner Elon Musk is also named in the complaint for his involvement in online harassment.
The origins of the controversy
The controversy surrounding Khelif intensified after her bout against Italian boxer Angela Carini, who abruptly abandoned the match, later apologizing for her actions. The International Boxing Association (IBA), which has been at odds with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), further fueled the situation. The IBA, led by Russia’s Umar Kremlen, a Kremlin-linked oligarch, had declared Khelif and another boxer, Thailand’s Lin Yu-ting, ineligible to compete in its events due to gender concerns. However, the IOC allowed both boxers to compete in Paris, upholding their status as women. Notably, the IBA had permitted Khelif and Yu-ting to compete in the Tokyo Olympics three years earlier.
As the lawsuit progresses, Khelif continues to receive widespread support from her fans and compatriots, who stand by her in the fight against cyberbullying and the broader challenges she faces as a trailblazing athlete on the global stage.