Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has taken legal action against prominent figures, including Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling, over alleged severe cyber harassment related to her participation in the Paris Olympics.
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The lawsuit, filed with French authorities, accuses them of involvement in spreading harmful online messages about Khelif.
Nabil Boudi, Khelif’s lawyer in Paris, shared that the complaint was submitted to the public prosecutor’s anti-online hatred center last week. He emphasized that the legal action is part of Khelif’s quest for “justice, dignity, and honor.”
The lawsuit targets Musk’s social media platform, X, which leads to a broader investigation as French law allows for examining “unknown persons,” including those using fake identities to post hateful content.
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Photo via The Independent
Boudi noted that Donald Trump is also under scrutiny, though his direct involvement in the lawsuit is uncertain.
In France, cyberbullying can lead to prison terms of two to five years and fines between £26,000 and £39,000. If classified as online hate speech, fines could reach up to £214,000.
The action follows Khelif’s gold medal win in the women’s 66-kilogram boxing event, which sparked controversy. Critics, including Musk and Rowling, questioned her eligibility due to her gender.
Rowling shared a photo of Khelif’s fight with derogatory comments, while Musk endorsed posts claiming that “men don’t belong in women’s sports.” Trump also expressed similar views on social media.
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