Algerian boxer Imane Khelif made history by clinching the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. However, her victory was overshadowed by relentless questioning about her gender. Despite the constant scrutiny, Khelif maintained her focus on the ring and ultimately triumphed.
The controversy surrounding her gender identity escalated post-Olympics. Khelif took legal action against online harassment, naming prominent figures like Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling as defendants. As the gender debate intensifies, a new video of Khelif has surfaced, capturing attention. Adorned in an Algerian caftan, makeup, and her Olympic gold medal, the boxer presented a striking image, complete with matching floral-hoop earrings.
Watch Imane Khelif's viral makeover here
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Algerian boxer takes legal action
Imane Khelif has taken a significant step in addressing the online harassment she endured during the Olympics. On Wednesday, she filed a complaint with a specialized unit within the Paris prosecutor's office dedicated to combating online hate. Her lawyer, Nabil Boudi, characterized the campaign against the boxer as a vile combination of misogyny, racism, and sexism. The lawsuit targets several individuals, including prominent figures like J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk. Boudi also highlighted the involvement of former US President Donald Trump in the online discourse, indicating that his actions may be scrutinized as part of the ongoing investigation.
"JK Rowling and Elon Musk are named in the lawsuit, among others. Trump tweeted, so whether or not he is named in our lawsuit, he will inevitably be looked into as part of the prosecution," Boudi informed American publication Variety.
The lawsuit filed by Imane Khelif is not limited to the named individuals. Lawyer Nabil Boudi clarified that additional parties may be included as the case progresses. The prosecution is urged to conduct a thorough investigation, potentially expanding the scope of the trial to include other relevant individuals.
At the heart of the controversy lies the misgendering of Khelif by prominent figures like Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling. Rowling went as far as accusing Khelif of exploiting the distress of women, referencing the emotional reaction of Khelif's opponent, Angela Carini, who was visibly upset after losing the Round of 16 match.
Notably, Khelif maintained a dignified silence throughout the competition, only addressing the issue after securing the gold medal.
"Now the whole world knows the story of Imane Khelif," said the Algerian, as quoted by NDTV Sports.
"It's a dream for every athlete. If I qualify or not? If I'm a woman or not? I made many statements in the media. I'm fully qualified, I'm a woman, I was born a woman, I lived a woman, there's no doubt about that.
"These people [who claim I am not], they are the enemies of success, it's what I call them, it gives my success a special taste because of these attacks.... I hope that people will commit to the Olympic charter and its values. We're here to perform to our audience and families. I hope we will not see similar attacks in these Olympics," she added.
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