Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s legal complaint names J. K. Rowling, Elon Musk

J. K. Rowling is among the high-profile names listed in a formal complaint filed by the boxer at the centre of an Olympic gender storm.

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling and tech billionaire Elon Musk have been named in a legal complaint by the boxer at the centre of a gender storm at the Paris Olympics.

Algeria’s Imane Khelif, who won gold at the Games, filed a complaint to anti-online hatred center of the Paris public prosecutor’s office over allegations of “aggravated cyber bullying” during the event.

Khelif was targeted on social media platforms, including Musk’s X, by several high-profile figures who incorrectly accused her of being a “man” and saying she should be banned from women’s competition.

Algeria's Imane Khelif has filed a lawsuit with Paris prosecutors. Picture: Mohd Rasfan/AFP

Her lawyer, Nabil Boudi, described the alleged abuse and misinformation published online about Khelif as a “digital lynching” in a statement released at the weekend.

He told Variety on Wednesday both Rowling and Musk were named in the complaint, and an investigation would also examine Donald Trump’s conduct during the social medial flurry.

“Trump tweeted, so whether or not he is named in our lawsuit, he will inevitably be looked into as part of the prosecution,” Mr Boudi said.

He said the legal complaint was filed against X, which under French law means the prosecutor’s office “has all the latitude to be able to investigate against all people”.

Elon Musk has been named. Picture: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

British writer J.K Rowling weighed in on the debate. Picture: Tolga Akmen/AFP

The controversy over Khelif’s eligibility began with speculation over the 25-year-old’s disqualification by the International Boxing Association from a world championships event in 2023 for allegedly failing unspecified gender tests.

Attention on Khelif then went into overdrive after her second round victory against Italian Angela Carini, who withdrew in tears from the fight after just 46 seconds.

British author Rowling, known for her outspoken views about gender ideology, posted several times about the issue on her X account.

In one post, which could now be subject to the legal complaint, she stated Khelif was a “male … enjoying the distress of a woman he’s just punched in the head.”

Musk reposted former college swimmer Riley Gaines’ X post which said: “Men don’t belong in women’s sports #IStandWithAngelaCarini” adding the word “absolutely” to his post.

The Algerian (in red) faced intense scrutiny throughout the competition. Picture: Mauro Pimentel/AFP

Mr Boudi told Variety “J. K. Rowling and Elon Musk are named in the lawsuit, among others” following their comments.

He posted a press release to X on August 11 saying: “After the sporting time, comes the legal time.

“Having just won a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, boxer Imane Khelif has decided to lead a new fight: that of justice, dignity and honor.

“Ms Khelif contacted the firm, which filed a complaint yesterday for acts of aggravated cyber harassment with the anti-online hatred center of the Paris public prosecutor’s office.

“The criminal investigation will determine who initiated this misogynistic, racist and sexist campaign but will also have to focus on those who fuelled this digital lynching.

“The unfair harassment suffered by the boxing champion will remain the biggest stain of these Olympic Games.”

No charges have been laid or action taken against anyone named in Khelif’s complaint.

Imane Khelif left Paris as a gold medallist. Picture: Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Khelif was given a hero’s welcome in Algeria after she won gold by defeating China’s Yang Liu in the 66kg class.

Her involvement was repeatedly defended by the International Olympic Committee throughout the Games, with officials criticising the IBA’s testing last year as “so flawed that it’s impossible to engage with”.

IOC president Thomas Bach said Khelif and fellow boxer Lin Yu Ting – who also faced gender scrutiny – were born and raised as women, and have passports saying that.

“We have two boxers who are born as a woman, who have been raised a woman, who have a passport as a woman, and who have competed for many years as women,” Mr Bach said.

“And this is the clear definition of a woman. There was never any doubt about them being a woman.”