Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif, who has become a national icon after winning gold in the women’s welterweight division at the Paris Olympics, has filed a legal complaint in France against online harassment.
The filing, made last Friday, came in response to a wave of false claims and malicious criticism surrounding her gender, her lawyer confirmed.
Imane Khelif, who is set to carry Algeria’s flag during the Olympic closing ceremony, has faced a barrage of misinformation since her victorious bout last week. Her lawyer, Nabil Boudi, described the situation as a “vicious campaign” filled with misogyny, racism, and sexism targeting the celebrated athlete.
The complaint was lodged with a specialized unit in the Paris prosecutor’s office dedicated to combating online hate speech. It accuses the perpetrators of “aggravated cyber-harassment,” and while no specific individuals have been named, the responsibility now lies with French prosecutors to determine if an investigation will proceed.
This legal action follows a wider controversy sparked after Imane Khelif’s first match, where Italian competitor Angela Carini withdrew shortly after the fight began, claiming injury from the opening punches.
The incident led to a flood of unfounded rumors online, falsely asserting that Khelif was either transgender or male. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) swiftly debunked these claims, condemning the spread of misinformation that threatened Khelif’s reputation.
Imane Khelif expressed her dismay over the situation, stating that the false narratives circulating about her “violate human dignity.” Her case has drawn global attention, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by female athletes, especially those of color, who are often subject to undue scrutiny and discrimination.
In a related development, Kirsty Burrows, an IOC official responsible for safeguarding and mental health, also filed a complaint after receiving death threats and online harassment. These threats followed her public defense of Imane Khelif during a news conference in Paris. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed receiving Burrows’ complaint on August 4, with ongoing investigations by the National Unit for the Fight Against Online Hate.
The legal repercussions for those found guilty of such offenses in France are severe, with potential prison sentences ranging from two to five years, along with fines of up to 45,000 euros.
Imane Khelif’s ordeal echoes a similar incident last year when the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified her and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting from the world championships, citing unspecified failures in eligibility tests for women’s competition. The IOC has criticized these tests as “irreparably flawed” and has consistently defended both Khelif and Lin during the Paris Games.
The scrutiny faced by Imane Khelif and other female athletes of color underscores the need for greater awareness and protection against gender-based discrimination in sports, as experts continue to call for fair treatment and respect for all athletes.
