Algerian boxing champion Imane Khelif responds strongly to derogatory remarks from Donald Trump and Elon Musk, taking legal action for cyberbullying amid a growing controversy.
Algerian boxing sensation Imane Khelif has found herself at the centre of a global controversy after derogatory remarks from high-profile figures, including former US President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk. Khelif, who fought her way to gold at the Olympics, slammed the comments and refuted baseless claims that she is transgender.
The incident began during the Olympics held in Paris, where Khelif’s outstanding performance garnered significant attention. However, the attention swiftly turned sour when Elon Musk shared a post from US swimmer Riley Gaines, asserting, “Men don’t belong in women’s sports,” with Musk’s own comment of “absolutely”. Trump went a step further, posting a picture from one of Khelif’s matches with a caption that read: “I will keep men out of women’s sports.”
In a recent interview with El Birad, Khelif expressed the emotional toll these comments had on her. “Immediately after there was a big uproar from big politicians around the world, athletes around the world, and even artists and stars, Elon Musk, Trump.. this thing… that affected me,” she said. The boxer described the scenario as “very scary” and said it hurt her deeply. “I can’t describe to you the amount of fear I had,” she added, emphasising the impact the ordeal had on her mental well-being.
Khelif also expressed gratitude toward her supporters, stating, “Thank god, all the people of Algeria and the Arab world knew Imane Khelif with her femininity, her courage, her will.” She lamented the injection of politics into sports, a domain she prefers to keep separate from political discourse.
The Algerian star has now taken legal action, filing a cyberbullying lawsuit with prominent names such as Elon Musk and Harry Potter author JK Rowling included in the complaint. Her lawyer, Nabil Boudi, has confirmed that the investigation could also extend to involve Donald Trump. Boudi described the treatment of Khelif as “sexist” and termed the online attacks as a “digital lynching.”
“The criminal investigation will determine who initiated this misogynistic, racist and sexist campaign,” Boudi stated, signalling a commitment to hold those responsible for the harassment accountable.
This development has opened a broader discussion about the intersection of sports, identity, and politics, illustrating the far-reaching implications of online discourse and its real-world impacts on athletes.
As the investigation unfolds, Khelif remains focused on her athletic career while seeking justice against those who have used the online platform to question her identity and achievements.
