The Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who recently won the gold medal in boxing at the Paris Olympics 2024, has filed a legal complaint against social media platform X, citing ‘moral harassment’ after participating in the event. According to a report, Khelif has taken her case to the Paris Correctional Court’s National Centre for battling online hate, alleging she was flooded with abusive messages after reaching the quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics.
Khelif was called a ‘Transgender’
The controversy began when Khelif’s opponent Angela Carini withdrew from the match shortly after the fight began, following which Khelif got massive hate on the internet. People began accusing her of being a “transgender” who was knowingly competing in the women’s category. Khelif’s lawyer revealed that these hate posts were viewed more than 100 million times worldwide, causing Imane great distress during such an important competition of her life.
Khelif won the gold medal in the women’s 66 kg category on Friday by defeating China’s Yang Liu. Khelif also responded to the allegations by stating that she is fully qualified to participate in the competition. “I am a woman, I was born a woman, I have lived my life as a woman, and I have competed as a woman. There is no doubt about that,” said Khelif.
IOC criticized the controversy
The incident reignited the debate over gender and sports because another athlete, Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-Ting, also won gold in the 57 kg category after facing similar allegations. Both Khelif and Yu-Ting were disqualified last year by the International Boxing Association for failing gender tests, a decision that was overruled by the International Olympic Committee. IOC president Thomas Bach defended the decision and criticized the culture war behind the whole controversy.
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The situation worsened when prominent figures like J.K. Rowling publicly accused Khelif of being transgender, sparking a fierce reaction on social media. The controversy reached its peak during Khelif’s match against Angela Carini, who withdrew from the fight after 46 seconds. However, Carini later apologized to Khelif and expressed regrets for her actions. She further clarified that she had no ill will towards Imane. Interestingly, IBA offered Carini a sum of $100,000, equivalent to the prize money given to an Olympic champion, but she declined the offer. This action of IBA’s handling of the situation was criticized by IOC.
