Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling Accused of Serious Cyberbullying in Lawsuit Filed by Algerian Boxer

J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk could face legal consequences after being linked to transphobic social media posts targeting Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif. Despite winning a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Khelif’s victory has been overshadowed by a storm of online abuse questioning her gender.

Khelif, who was born female and does not identify as transgender or intersex, endured widespread harassment during the games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed her eligibility to compete, stating, “This is not a man fighting a woman.” However, that didn’t stop people from spreading false claims and hateful messages about her.

In response, Khelif has filed a criminal complaint with French authorities for “aggravated cyber harassment,” Variety reports. The complaint was submitted to the Paris Prosecutor’s Office’s anti-online hatred division, sparking an official investigation.

On August 13, the National Center for the Fight Against Online Hatred contacted the Central Office for the Fight Against Crimes Against Humanity and Hate Crimes to investigate the online attacks. The investigation covers allegations of cyber harassment, public insults based on gender, and incitement to discrimination.

The complaint is filed against “X,” a legal term in France that allows prosecutors to investigate unidentified individuals who may have posted offensive content, whether under their real names or pseudonyms.

Social Media Backlash Against Khelif and Public Figures’ Involvement

Khelif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, confirmed that Rowling and Elon Musk are named in the lawsuit, along with others, including former U.S. President Donald Trump. “Trump tweeted about it, so whether he is named in our lawsuit or not, he will be looked into as part of the investigation,” Boudi said.

Rowling reportedly shared a picture of Khelif’s fight against Italian boxer Angela Carini, accusing Khelif of being a man who was “enjoying the distress of a woman he’s just punched in the head.”

Elon Musk replied to a post from swimmer Riley Gaines that said, “Men don’t belong in women’s sports,” by agreeing with the comment. Trump also joined the conversation, posting a photo from Khelif’s fight and stating, “I will keep men out of women’s sports!”

Other public figures, like Logan Paul, also chimed in. Paul allegedly tweeted that Khelif’s win was “the purest form of evil” and called her a man. Although he later deleted the post and admitted he might have spread misinformation, the damage was done.

Boudi stressed that the investigation should look into everyone involved, saying, “We want the prosecution to investigate not just these people but anyone who might be responsible. If the case goes to court, they will have to stand trial.”

Khelif’s coach, Pedro Diaz, said the online attacks during the Paris Olympics “had a big impact on her” and those around her. Diaz, who began coaching Khelif in February 2023, described the cyberbullying as “the worst behavior” he had ever seen.

To help her stay focused on winning the gold medal, Diaz advised Khelif to avoid social media during the games. He praised her determination, calling her “incredibly smart” with “amazing motivation.” Her gold medal victory, Diaz added, “was the most rewarding moment of my coaching career.”

As the investigation continues, many are watching to see if those responsible for the online harassment will be held accountable. Even after her victory, Khelif’s fight for justice goes on.