Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxing sensation who recently clinched gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has taken a bold step by filing a criminal complaint against cyber harassment she faced online. The lawsuit, lodged with French authorities, specifically names high-profile figures, including J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk, for their alleged involvement in what Khelif describes as “aggravated cyber harassment.”

Khelif’s Paris-based legal representative, Nabil Boudi, confirmed to Variety that the complaint had been submitted to the anti-online hatred centre of the Paris public prosecutor’s office on 9th August. The legal action stems from a wave of online abuse Khelif endured following her Olympic victory.

Image: Matt Rourke / Associated Press

The lawsuit targets X (formerly known as Twitter), aiming to allow investigators the freedom to scrutinise any and all individuals involved, including those who might have used pseudonyms to spread malicious content. Under French law, this broad approach gives Khelif’s legal team the flexibility to pursue unknown persons as part of the case.

Notably, the complaint singles out public figures such as Rowling and Musk. According to Boudi, former US President Donald Trump might also be scrutinised during the investigation, as he commented on the controversy surrounding Khelif’s eligibility to compete in the female boxing category at the Olympics. Trump had tweeted, “I will keep men out of women’s sports!” alongside an image from Khelif’s bout.

The controversy escalated when J.K. Rowling, known for her outspoken views on gender issues, shared a tweet featuring a photo from Khelif’s fight against Italy’s Angela Carini. Rowling suggested that Khelif was a man, stating that he was “enjoying the distress of a woman he’s just punched in the head.” Elon Musk also entered the fray by responding to a tweet from swimmer Riley Gaines, asserting that “men don’t belong in women’s sports.”

Despite these baseless allegations, Khelif’s official documents affirm her status as a female, and she has competed in the women’s 66kg category throughout her career. The boxer’s resilience shone through as she went on to secure the gold medal, triumphing in the face of online hostility.

As the legal proceedings unfold, Boudi hopes the prosecution will thoroughly investigate all involved, both named and unnamed, ensuring that justice is served. If the case goes to trial, it could potentially target high-profile personalities from across the globe.

Image: Reddit

This legal battle marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse around online harassment, particularly as it pertains to athletes and public figures. As Khelif stands firm against her detractors, her actions might inspire others to confront cyberbullying with the same determination she displays in the boxing ring.