Celebrities Named in Cyberbullying Lawsuit
- Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has named Elon Musk and JK Rowling in a criminal complaint for cyber harassment.
- The lawsuit stems from cyberbullying and gender scrutiny targeted at Khelif during her Olympic participation in Paris.
- If Khelif wins the case, Musk and Rowling could face prison sentences and significant fines.
Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer who recently won gold at the Paris Olympics, has publicly addressed comments made by former President Donald Trump, who referred to her as a man during a rally. Khelif, who has faced intense scrutiny regarding her gender, expressed her hurt and fear over the backlash, stating, "I cannot describe how scared I was." She emphasized her identity as a woman, asserting, "I was born as a woman, I live as a woman, and I am qualified." In the wake of Trump's remarks, Khelif has initiated a lawsuit against several high-profile figures, including Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling, for cyberbullying related to their comments about her gender. Her attorney, Nabil Boudi, confirmed that the lawsuit has been filed with French authorities, targeting what they describe as a "misogynist, racist and sexist campaign" against Khelif. The lawsuit could lead to significant penalties for those found guilty of online hate speech. Khelif's victory in the women's 66kg boxing category has been celebrated in Algeria, where she has become a national hero. However, her participation in women's sports has sparked controversy, with critics questioning her eligibility based on gender testing results. The International Olympic Committee has defended her participation, stating that eligibility is determined by passport gender. As Khelif returns to Algeria, she is expected to meet with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who has pledged support for her dignity and honor amid the ongoing controversy.