J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk are facing potential legal consequences following a cyberbullying lawsuit filed by Olympic champion Imane Khelif. The criminal complaint, lodged with the Paris public prosecutor's office, accuses both individuals of aggravated cyber harassment against Imane. The lawsuit also targets Elon Musk's social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), under French law.
The allegations stem from attacks questioning Imane's gender identity after her victory over Italian boxer Angela Carini at the 2024 Olympics. The lawsuit aims to investigate all individuals involved in spreading hateful messages, including those using pseudonyms.
Imane's legal representative clarified that the complaint allows for a thorough investigation into the matter. The 25-year-old athlete, who identifies as a woman and was born biologically female, has faced unwarranted scrutiny following her success in the boxing ring.
Notably, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed Imane's eligibility to compete and criticized the decision to disqualify her from the IBA Women's World Boxing Championships. The IOC denounced the move as abrupt and lacking due process.
Both Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling have come under fire for their online comments regarding Imane's victory. Musk shared a post questioning men's participation in women's sports, while Rowling accused Imane of being a man reveling in power over women.
The legal repercussions for cyberbullying in France could result in prison sentences ranging from two to five years and fines between $33,400 and $50,140. Perpetrators may also face fines up to $275,000 if prosecuted for online hate speech.
In response to the cyberbullying, Imane expressed the emotional toll of having prominent figures question her identity. She emphasized the impact on her and her community, stating that the attacks were hurtful and unjust.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Imane continues to excel in her sport, recently winning a gold medal at the Olympics. She remains steadfast in her assertion of her gender identity and qualifications as a female athlete.
