J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk Named in Cyberbullying Lawsuit Filed by Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif After Olympic Win (EXCLUSIVE)
J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk have been included in a criminal complaint submitted to French authorities regarding purported “acts of aggravated cyber harassment” directed at Algerian boxer and newly crowned Olympic champion Imane Khelif.
Nabil Boudi, the attorney for Khelif based in Paris, informed Variety that both individuals were referenced in the complaint submitted to the anti-online hatred center of the Paris public prosecutor’s office on Friday.
The lawsuit was initiated against X, which, according to French law, indicates that it targets unidentified individuals. This allows the prosecution the flexibility to investigate anyone, including those who may have posted hateful comments using fake names, as stated by Boudi. However, the complaint does reference well-known controversial figures.
He mentioned that the lawsuit includes J. K. Rowling and Elon Musk, among others, and noted that Donald Trump will also be investigated. “Trump tweeted, so regardless of whether he is named in our lawsuit, he will certainly be examined as part of the prosecution.”
Khelif, who secured the Olympic gold medal in the women’s 66-kilogram boxing event on Saturday, was at the center of a contentious and loud debate regarding her gender eligibility throughout the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Although she was born female and does not identify as transgender or intersex, and despite the support of the International Olympic Committee, which stated, “scientifically, this is not a man fighting a woman,” Khelif endured a wave of accusations and harassment concerning her gender.
The majority of the attacks originated on social media, especially on X/Twitter, and the situation intensified when prominent individuals got involved. Rowling, addressing her 14.2 million followers, shared an image from Khelif’s match against Italian boxer Angela Carini, alleging that Khelif was a man relishing the suffering of a woman he had just struck. Musk also contributed by sharing a post from swimmer Riley Gaines, which asserted that “men don’t belong in women’s sports.” He endorsed this statement with a simple, “Absolutely.” Trump added his voice by posting an image from the fight with Carina, declaring, “I will keep men out of women’s sports!”
Boudi stated that even though the complaint includes names, “We are requesting that the prosecution look into not just these individuals but anyone else they deem necessary. If the case proceeds to court, they will face trial.”
Boudi stated that although the lawsuit was initiated in France, it has the potential to affect individuals abroad. He noted that the prosecutor’s office dedicated to fighting online hate speech can seek mutual legal assistance from other nations. He also mentioned existing agreements with the U.S. counterpart of the French office focused on combating online hate speech.
Logan Paul joined the criticism of Khelif on social media, posting on X after her victory over Carini: “What we are witnessing is the most blatant evil. A man was permitted to assault a woman in front of the world, shattering her dreams while she fought in honor of her late father. This madness has to stop.”
Paul subsequently removed the post and acknowledged that he “could be responsible for disseminating false information.”
However, for Bouli, these apologies — even those that Khelif has received directly from notable individuals who posted negative remarks — will not impact the investigation. “The lawsuit has been filed, and the facts are unchanged,” he stated.
Regarding X, Boudi stated that the complaint targets the individuals who create social media posts rather than the platforms hosting them. “It’s up to lawmakers to impose penalties on the platforms, not us,” he remarked. However, he acknowledged that judicial authorities are now treating cyber harassment cases with greater seriousness, and in certain instances, “there are prison sentences.”
Khelif’s coach, Pedro Diaz, shared with Variety that the bullying Khelif faced during the Olympics had a profound impact on her and those close to her.
Diaz, who operates Mundo Boxing Gym in Miami and began training Khelif in February 2023, recalled, “During her first Olympic fight, there was a wild storm raging outside the ring.” He described the scene as “the most disgusting thing I had ever witnessed.” Having trained 21 Olympic champions before Khelif, Diaz advised her to avoid social media to help maintain her focus on securing the gold medal.
“Her intelligence and incredible drive are impressive,” he remarked, noting that her gold medal achievement “was the most fulfilling triumph of my coaching career.”
