Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has filed a lawsuit against author JK Rowling and entrepreneur Elon Musk for alleged cyberbullying. The complaint was filed with French authorities, including the Paris Public Prosecutor’s anti-online hatred center.
What Happened: Khelif’s attorney, Nabil Boudi, confirmed that the lawsuit, filed against X, was made against unidentified individuals under French law. This approach allows the prosecution to investigate all relevant parties, including those who posted hateful messages under pseudonyms, Variety reported on Tuesday.
The complaint specifically names Rowling and Musk, with former President Donald Trump also being part of the investigation due to his posts on the matter.
"JK Rowling and Elon Musk are named in the lawsuit, among others," Boudi said, adding. "Trump tweeted, so whether or not he is named in our lawsuit, he will inevitably be looked into as part of the prosecution."
Khelif, who recently won the Olympic gold medal in the women’s 66-kilogram boxing competition, faced a barrage of gender-based accusations and abuse during the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The International Olympic Committee supported her eligibility, asserting “Scientifically, this is not a man fighting a woman.” The attacks, primarily via social media, intensified when high-profile figures like Rowling and Musk joined the debate.
Musk did not provide a direct comment but shared a post from American swimmer Riley Gaines, which stated, "Men don't belong in women's sports." In response, Musk simply wrote: "Absolutely."
Author Rowling called Khelif a "male" protected by a "misogynist sporting establishment," accusing her of causing distress and shattering the life of the woman she just punched.
On his Truth Social platform and X, Trump stated: "I will keep men out of women's sports." His post featured a video of a match between Khelif and her opponent, Italian boxer Angela Carini.
Boudi emphasized that the lawsuit’s focus is on the authors of the social media posts, not the platforms themselves. He also noted that cyber harassment cases are now being taken more seriously by judicial authorities, with potential prison sentences in some instances, the report added.
Khelif’s coach, Pedro Diaz, expressed how the bullying affected Khelif and those around her. Despite the challenges, Khelif’s determination and intelligence shone through, leading to her gold medal win, which Diaz, described as the “most rewarding victory” of his coaching career.
Why It Matters: The lawsuit against Rowling and Musk underscores the ongoing debate over cyberbullying and the responsibilities of public figures. Musk, known for his stance against the “woke mind virus,” has previously expressed strong opinions on gender and identity issues.
In a July interview with Dr. Jordan Peterson, Musk described sex change procedures on children as “evil” and claimed he was “tricked” into consenting to puberty blockers for his child.
Former President Donald Trump has also been vocal on related topics. In April 2023, Trump suggested that “engineered” cannabis and trans depression were contributing to mass shootings, framing these issues as cultural and spiritual problems.
The rise of social media platforms has exacerbated cyberbullying, with apps like Fizz leading to increased teen anxiety and bullying. The app, initially intended to foster anonymous connections, quickly became a hub for harassment.
Musk’s advocacy for free speech has also led to international disputes. His clashes with the governments of Brazil and Australia over content restrictions highlight the complexities of balancing free speech with the prevention of hate speech and misinformation.
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This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Kaustubh Bagalkote
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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