Algerian Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif, who faced a transphobic narrative during the Paris Olympics, has filed a complaint of harassment against the social networking site X, previously Twitter. On Saturday, Khelif’s lawyer said that an official complaint had been filed in France, which created a drastic shift in the conflict that has sparked aggressive discussions on only social media.
Controversy erupted when it was suggested that Khelif be paired with Taiwan’s gold medalist Lin Yu-ting, the wrestler’s gender identity an object of speculation bordering on obsession. The experience has resulted in what Khelif’s legal advisers claim to be a severe instance of cyberbullying, hence the legal action.
In an article in the French Le Monde newspaper, Khelif filed a complaint with the Paris disciplinary court and the National Centre for fighting cyber harassment. Khelif’s attorney, Nabil Boudi, said the legal process began on Friday. ‘He is in a new fight for justice, dignity, and honour,’ the attorney said.
Khelif complained about the heavy criticism on social media she receives, describing it as “immoral. ” She said, “I want to change people’s minds worldwide. ” The complaint involves several individuals characterised as ‘’important political figures’’ with many followers on X. The posts, which have collectively attracted over one hundred million views, have been termed to be part of a campaign that can be best described as misogynist, racist and sexist
Khelif’s eligibility issue has become topical with former US president Donald Trump, the author of the Harry Potter series, J. K. Rowling, and some right-wing French politicians expressing their concern. After launching his Truth Social app, Trump claimed, “I will keep men out of women’s sports”, while Rowling took to attacking Khelif as a ‘male’ who ‘enjoys the distress of his female competitor’.
The gender controversy emerged first when the IBA published the results of the alleged genetic analysis of Khelif and Lin, saying they were ineligible for the women’s category. This was coupled with banning both athletes from the 2023 World Championships. The International Olympic Committee IOC barred them from participating in the Paris Games but later allowed them to compete.
On Friday night, Khelif was keen on bobbing in front of the boxing ring to respond to the unending cold war in the match. In her post-final interview, where she was asked about the allegations, she said, ‘I am a woman like any other’ and continued to gain her gold medal. She also referred to her victory as a perfect response to the ‘attacks’ and ‘bullying’ she has been subjected to.
When asked whether she might employ similar legal action, Lin Yu-ting said she would consult her team to determine the next procedure.
The probe into harassment targets Khelif is supposed to reveal the persons who started and continued the harassment. Khelif’s legal team aims to bring to justice those who they say have participated in the online lynching in an effort that the case establish how such issues should be addressed in the future.
