Iman Khalif. Photo: suspilne
Olympic Champion Accuses Celebrities of Cyber Harassment
Algerian Olympic boxing champion Imane Helif has filed a criminal complaint in France against the platform X (formerly Twitter), accusing it of “misogynistic,” racist, and sexist cyberbullying. The complaint, lodged with the Paris prosecutor’s office, also names high-profile figures, including J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk.
Background of the Case
Helif, who won gold at the Olympics, became the first Algerian woman to secure a gold medal in the overall standings since 1996. Her victory was marred by controversy over gender issues after she was barred from participating in the 2023 World Boxing Championships due to a gender verification test.
Public Reactions
J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, posted a photo of Helif’s fight on Twitter, expressing her views on sports organizations that support violence. Elon Musk, owner of X, shared a post supporting the stance that “men do not belong in women’s sports.” Donald Trump also made a similar statement, further fueling the controversy.
Next Steps and Reactions
Helif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, noted that while specific individuals are mentioned in the complaint, the investigation could extend to others involved in the cyber harassment. The lawsuit, filed in France, may have international implications.
Helif’s coach, Pedro Dias, highlighted the significant impact the harassment has had on her and those around her. Following her victory over Chinese boxer Yang Liu, Helif reaffirmed her identity as a woman and stated that the bullying only adds a special significance to her achievements.
Source: The Guardian
