Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling named in criminal cyberbullying case against Olympic boxer Imane Khelif

The 25-year-old Olympic gold medallist Imane Khelif, the controversial athlete at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has been at the centre of a media frenzy regarding the boxer’s gender- eligibility row.

Khelif has named tech billionaire Elon Musk and Harry Potter author JK Rowling in a cyberbullying lawsuit. With her lawyer claiming a complaint filed to the French authorities alleging ‘acts of harassment’.

Both mentioned could face five-year prison terms and fines up to £214,000 if the boxer wins her case against them. Khelif’s lawyer Nabil Boudi told variety “JK Rowling and Elon Musk are named in the lawsuit, among others”

“What we’re asking is that the prosecution investigates not only these people but whoever it feels necessary.”

Khelif, who won gold in the women’s 66kg category, was born female and does not identify as transgender or intersex.

She emerged victorious after enduring a widespread campaign in which she faced a barrage of questions over her gender with high-profile celebrities taking to social media to outcry about Khelif taking part in this summer’s games. 

The International Boxing association (IBA) said tests showed Khelif had XY chromosomes which is an indication a person is biologically male. However the International Olympic Committee (IOC) defended her right to compete and ruled her eligible.