Photo: Express
Paris: A criminal complaint alleging "acts of aggravated cyber harassment" has been lodged with French authorities, centred around Olympic champion Imane Khelif of Algeria. According to Khelif's Paris-based lawyer Nabil Boudi, the complaint names J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk among other prominent people.
The Paris Public Prosecutor's Office's Anti-Online Hatred Centre received the complaint. The case was brought under French law against X, or "unknown persons," giving the prosecution wide latitude to look into every person connected, even those who might have posted under pseudonyms.
“J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk are named in the lawsuit, among others,” Nabil Boudi, the Paris-based attorney of Khelif confirmed, adding that former U.S. President Donald Trump could also be scrutinised. “Trump tweeted, so whether or not he is named in our lawsuit, he will inevitably be looked into as part of the prosecution.”
Khelif, who won the gold medal in the women's 66-kg boxing category at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was subjected to a flood of internet criticism over her gender eligibility, the New Indian Express reported.
Notwithstanding the International Olympic Committee's claim that "scientifically, this is not a man fighting a woman," Khelif faced severe allegations and harassment despite being born a woman and not identifying as transgender or intersex. When well-known individuals entered the discussion, the online attacks grew more intense, especially on X.
J.K. Rowling shared a photo of Khelif's bout with Italian fighter Angela Carini to her 14.2 million followers, calling Khelif a man who was "enjoying the distress of a woman he's just punched in the head.”
By supporting a post made by swimmer Riley Gaines, who said that "men don't belong in women's sports," Elon Musk stoked the debate even further. Musk continued, "Absolutely," adding his agreement. In addition, Trump chimed in, promising, "I will keep men out of women's sports," and posting a picture of the fight with Carini.
Boudi stressed that the main goal of the lawsuit is for the prosecution to look into every individual involved, regardless of their public stature, despite these accusations.
“What we’re asking is that the prosecution investigates not only these people but whoever it feels necessary. If the case goes to court, they will stand trial,” he explained.
Despite being filed in France, the action may have international implications, according to Boudi, since the French prosecutor's office for countering online hate speech has the authority to ask other nations, including the US, for mutual legal assistance.
Logan Paul, a well-known individual, also disparaged Khelif on social media, saying, “This is the purest form of evil unfolding right before our eyes. A man was allowed to beat up a woman on a global stage, crushing her life’s dream while fighting for her deceased father. This delusion must end.” Paul later deleted the post and admitted he “might be guilty of spreading misinformation.”
Boudi, nevertheless, was clear that any retractions or personal apologies to Khelif would not have an impact on the current investigation. He said, "The lawsuit is filed and the facts remain."
According to Boudi, the protest is directed at the post writers rather than the platforms. He continued by saying that although lawmakers have the authority to impose sanctions on platforms, courts are increasingly handling incidents of cyber harassment seriously, sometimes even sending offenders to prison.
Khelif's coach, Pedro Diaz, voiced his concern about the effect the harassment was having on his athlete. “The bullying Khelif endured during her run in the Olympics incredibly affected her and everyone around her,” Diaz said.
In his tenure as an Olympic coach of 21 gold medallists, he called the environment surrounding Khelif's Olympic journey "the most disgusting thing" and "a crazy storm outside of the ring." Diaz suggested that Khelif stay off social media in order to preserve her concentration on winning the gold medal.
Reflecting on Khelif’s victory, Diaz remarked, “She’s so smart and has such an amazing motivation,” adding that her gold medal win “felt like the most rewarding victory of my career as a coach.”