Billionaire and X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk and author JK Rowling have been named in a criminal complaint by Paris Olympics boxing gold medallist Iman Khalifa, who is at the centre of a gender eligibility controversy.
Khalif’s participation in the Paris Olympics 2024 was marred after her Italian opponent Angela Carini withdrew less than a minute into the bout after suffering a barrage of punches. Carini was seen crying and even refused to shake hands with Khalif.
Khalif was disqualified from the World Championships last year for failing a gender eligibility test, following which she was trolled online.
US magazine Variety reported on Tuesday that a legal complaint has been filed against Musk and Rowling for online harassment.
“J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk, among others, are named in the lawsuit,” Khalif’s Paris-based lawyer, Nabil Boudi, told Variety.
He also said that former US President Donald Trump will also be a part of this investigation.
“Trump tweeted, so whether he’s named in our suit or not, he will inevitably be viewed as part of the prosecution,” Boody said.
What did Elon Musk, JK Rowling, Donald Trump say?
Elon Musk retweeted an ex’s post by American swimmer Riley Gaines, which read, “Men have no place in women’s sports #IStandWithAngelaCarini.”
He retweeted Gaines’ initial message, writing, “Absolutely.”
Absolutely
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 1, 2024
Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling referred to the Algerian boxer as a man.
“Watch this (the entire thread), then explain why you think it’s okay for a man to beat up a woman in public for your entertainment. This is not sport. From the bullying cheaters in red uniforms to the organisers who allowed this to happen, this is all a case of men enjoying their power over women,” he posted on X after the Carini-Khalif fight.
Could any photo better express our new men’s rights movement? The smile of a man who knows he is protected by a misogynistic sports establishment, reveling in the misery of a woman whose head he has punched, and whose life ambitions he has shattered. #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/Q5SbKiksXQ
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 1, 2024
In another post, Rowling shared a photo of Carini crying with Khalif looking at her.
He wrote, “Could any photo better express our new men’s rights movement? The smile of a man who knows he is protected by a misogynistic sports establishment, reveling in the discomfort of the woman whose head he has punched, and whose life ambitions he has shattered.”
Khalif also faced criticism from Donald Trump, who said he would “keep men out of women’s sports”.
“Iman Khalifa has decided to start a new battle”
Iman Khalifa’s lawyer confirmed on Saturday that she had filed a legal complaint in France for online harassment.
“Boxer Iman Khalif has decided to start a new fight, this fight is for justice, dignity and respect,” Boudi said in a statement. He added that Khalif has filed a complaint with Paris prosecutors for “online harassment”.
“The investigation will reveal who was behind this misogynistic, racist and sexist campaign, but will also have to question those who encouraged the lynching online,” he said.
Boudy said the “unjust persecution” the boxing champion suffered would remain “the biggest stain on Olympic sports”.
