Imane Khelif sues Elon Musk and JK Rowling for cyber harassment after Olympic gold win

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: JK Rowling and Elon Musk have found themselves at the center of a high-profile criminal complaint filed with French authorities. They are accused of "aggravated cyber harassment" against Algerian boxing sensation Imane Khelif. 

Fresh off her triumph as the gold medalist in the women’s 66-kilogram boxing event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Khelif was thrust into the global spotlight, not just for her athletic prowess but also for a contentious and widely publicized debate over her gender eligibility that overshadowed her victory.

Imane Khelif’s attorney details lawsuit filed against Elon Musk and JK Rowling

Khelif's Paris-based attorney, Nabil Boudi confirmed to Variety that JK Rowling and Elon Musk are among those mentioned in the complaint submitted to the anti-online hatred center of the Paris public prosecutor’s office on Friday. The lawsuit was filed against "X," a designation under French law indicating unknown individuals.

This approach allows the prosecution to investigate all potential culprits, including those who may have used pseudonyms to post hateful messages. 

Boudi noted that while high-profile figures like Rowling and Musk are named, Donald Trump will also be investigated due to his tweets related to the case. "Trump tweeted, so whether or not he is named in our lawsuit, he will inevitably be looked into as part of the prosecution,” Boudi explained.

Despite being born female and not identifying as transgender or intersex, backed by the International Olympic Committee, which affirmed that "scientifically, this is not a man fighting a woman," Khelif endured severe criticism and abuse regarding her gender. Much of the hostility came through social media, particularly on X/Twitter, and intensified when notable figures weighed in. 

Imane Khelif’s lawsuit has potential to target individuals abroad

Boudi also noted that although the lawsuit was filed in France, it has the potential to target individuals abroad. He explained that the French prosecutor’s office for combating online hate speech can request mutual legal assistance from other countries. There are existing agreements with the US counterpart, facilitating such international cooperation. 

Logan Paul was another notable figure who criticized Khelif on social media. After her victory over Carini, Paul posted on X: “This is the purest form of evil unfolding right before our eyes. A man was allowed to beat up a woman on a global stage, crushing her life’s dream while fighting for her deceased father. This delusion must end.”

Although Paul later deleted the post and acknowledged that he “might be guilty of spreading misinformation,” Boudi emphasized that such apologies, including those Khelif received from other prominent figures who made derogatory comments, do not affect the ongoing investigation.

“The lawsuit is filed, and the facts remain,” Boudi said.

Regarding X, Boudi clarified that the complaint targets the individuals who made the offensive posts, not the platform itself. “It’s the responsibility of lawmakers to issue sanctions to platforms, not ours,” he stated. 

However, he noted that cyber harassment cases are increasingly taken seriously by judicial authorities, with some leading to prison sentences.

Imane Khelif's fans extend wishes to fight against 'bullies'

After news broke about Imane Khelif's lawsuit against JK Rowling and Elon Musk, many internet users sent their well-wishes to the Olympic champion.

One user wrote, "Wishing Imane Khelif the best in her fight against bullies who were bent on destroying her for nothing.."

Another stated, "It's time to pay!😁." 

A third user said, "We all stand with Imane. Harassment and bullying over gender issues have no place in this world."

A fourth user claimed, "Imane Khelif is unstoppable. Go Girl 💪."

Another claimed, "This is gonna be great though. Discovery gonna be wild."

A user shared, "Go Get them."

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