PARIS (AP) — French prosecutors have launched an investigation into an online harassment complaint made by Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif, following a wave of criticism and false claims about her gender during the Summer Games, the Paris prosecutor’s office announced on Wednesday.
Imane Khelif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, submitted the legal complaint last Friday to a specialized unit within the Paris prosecutor’s office that combats online hate speech. According to Boudi, Khelif became the target of a “misogynist, racist and sexist campaign” as she clinched gold in the women’s welterweight division, transforming into a national hero in Algeria and shining a spotlight on women’s boxing.
The prosecutor’s office confirmed receiving the complaint and stated that its Office for the Fight against Crimes against Humanity and Hate Crime had initiated an investigation on charges including “cyber harassment based on gender, public insults based on gender, public incitement to discrimination, and public insults on the basis of origin.”
The controversy began after Khelif’s first fight in Paris, where her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, withdrew just seconds into the match, citing pain from the opening punches. This triggered baseless rumors online that Khelif was transgender or a man. The International Olympic Committee quickly defended the athlete and condemned those spreading the false information. Khelif expressed that these misconceptions deeply harmed human dignity.
Among the notable figures who referred to Khelif as a man in their critical online posts were Donald Trump and J.K. Rowling. Additionally, tech mogul Elon Musk reposted a comment asserting Khelif was a man.
Khelif’s legal action was aimed at “X,” a term used in French law to allow investigators the freedom to identify the perpetrator or responsible party.
Following her return to Algeria, Khelif met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Wednesday and is expected to reunite with her family later this week in her hometown of Ain Mesbah. Mustapha Bensaou, Khelif’s former coach, indicated that the legal complaint in France was inspired by Algerian authorities and should act as a precedent for defending athletes’ rights and honor worldwide.
“All those involved will be prosecuted for violating Imane’s dignity and honor,” Bensaou remarked. He continued, “The attacks on Imane were intended to break her and undermine her morale. Thank God, she triumphed.”
This case is one of several investigations currently being conducted by France’s hate crimes unit in connection with the Olympics. The unit is also probing alleged death threats and cyberbullying against Kirsty Burrows, an IOC official responsible for safeguarding and mental health, after she stood up for Khelif during a Paris news conference. Under French law, the proven crimes can result in prison sentences ranging from two to five years, alongside fines from 30,000 to 45,000 euros.
The unit is also looking into complaints of death threats, harassment, and other abuses directed at six individuals involved in the Games’ opening ceremony, including its director, Thomas Jolly.
