Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, a groundbreaking gold medalist, has taken legal action against several high-profile figures, including JK Rowling and Elon Musk, for alleged cyberbullying.
Khelif, who made history as Algeria’s first female boxing gold medalist, faced a barrage of online harassment after a controversial gender eligibility dispute during the Olympics. Despite being cleared by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), she was subjected to a wave of misogynistic, racist, and sexist attacks on social media.
The lawsuit, filed in France, targets anonymous individuals and specifically mentions Rowling, Musk, and former US President Donald Trump for their public comments on the matter. These figures, among others, are accused of fueling the online hate directed at Khelif.
The boxer’s attorney, Nabil Boudi, emphasized the severity of the harassment, describing it as a “crazy storm” that deeply affected Khelif and her team. He is determined to hold those responsible accountable, including potentially pursuing legal action against overseas individuals.
The case has drawn significant attention to the issue of online harassment and its impact on athletes.
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