By 
15/08/24
Carolina Batista
Women’s Rights Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence.
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who recently secured a gold medal in the women’s 66 kg boxing competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has become a focal point of debate following a series of transphobic attacks and online harassment. Khelif, a cisgender woman, has faced accusations questioning her gender identity, sparking a global conversation about gender eligibility in sports.
The controversy began during the 2023 World Boxing Championships, where Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting were disqualified by the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to gender eligibility tests. They claimed DNA tests showed that the two athletes have XY chromosomes and that their testosterone tests indicated levels typically associated with male bodies, but the results were never published.
Despite this, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed their eligibility to compete, citing that both athletes were born female and met all necessary requirements. The IOC also cast doubt on the reliability of the IBA’s gender tests, suggesting that the situation may be influenced by broader cultural and political issues. The IOC spokesperson, Mark Adams, addressed the limitations of using testosterone tests, stating, “Testosterone tests are not perfect. Many women can have testosterone levels that match or resemble those of men, yet they are still women.” Additionally, the IOC clarified that the IBA has not been recognized as a competent authority by the committee since 2023. An official document highlighted the boxing organisation’s recurring issues with integrity and transparency, along with accusations of match-fixing and corruption.
Although rumours have circulated suggesting that Khelif is intersex, there is no confirmed evidence to support these claims. Khelif has affirmed that she is a cisgender woman: she was born female, is legally recognized as a woman, and identifies as such. Given that gender transition is illegal in Algeria and LGBTQ+ individuals face significant discrimination, it is highly implausible that a transgender woman would be sent to represent the country at the Olympics.
Khelif’s participation in the Olympics garnered widespread attention after her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, abandoned their match within 46 seconds, citing severe pain in her nose after Khelif’s initial punches. Carini’s withdrawal, combined with her decision not to shake Khelif’s hand after the match, intensified online discussions about Khelif’s participation. While Carini later clarified that her withdrawal was due to the pain—an expected occurrence in a sport like boxing—and not in protest against Khelif, the incident nonetheless intensified discussions, attracting comments from prominent public figures.
J.K. Rowling, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump, were among those who publicly questioned Khelif’s gender, sparking a wave of online criticism. Rowling, who is already known for her transphobia, referred to Khelif as a male in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), accusing her of taking advantage of a female opponent. Musk and Trump echoed similar sentiments, with Musk sharing a post that claimed “men don’t belong in women’s sports,” and Trump vowing to “keep men out of women’s sports.”
The comments from these high-profile figures, along with a surge of online attacks from others, prompted Khelif to take legal action. She filed a cyberbullying lawsuit in France, accusing several individuals, including Rowling and Musk, of “acts of aggravated cyber harassment.” The lawsuit, submitted to the French authorities, seeks to hold those responsible for the online harassment accountable. If the case proceeds to court, those found guilty could face prison sentences ranging from two to five years, as well as substantial fines.
Khelif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, has explained that the lawsuit is not only aimed at specific individuals but also at addressing the broader issue of online harassment. The lawsuit was filed against Musk’s social media platform X as well, allowing for a wider investigation into those who participated in the harassment, including users who posted anonymously. Boudi stated that the case is part of Khelif’s “fight for justice, dignity, and honour,” and that it could potentially target other personalities both in France and abroad.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the IOC has maintained its support for Khelif and Lin, emphasising that both athletes have met the criteria to compete in the Olympic Games. IOC President Thomas Bach stated that the organisation would not participate in what he described as a “politically motivated cultural war.” He further called for respect toward the athletes, urging the public to recognize them as women and athletes.
The IOC has also condemned the attacks against Khelif, stating that the athletes have been unfairly targeted by misleading information and emphasising that their participation in the Olympics is based on established regulations.
Khelif herself has spoken out against the online harassment she has faced, urging the public to refrain from bullying athletes. In a statement, she highlighted the detrimental impact that cyberbullying can have on individuals, particularly in the context of high-stakes competitions like the Olympics. She called on people to uphold the principles of the Olympic Charter, which emphasises respect, fairness, and solidarity among athletes.
While the controversy surrounding Khelif’s participation in the Olympics has sparked intense debate about gender and sports, it has also underscored how transphobia can harm not just trans individuals, but also any women who don’t conform to traditional standards of femininity.
Sources and further readings
Al Jazeera. (2024, August 2). Algerian boxer Imane Khelif becomes target of Olympics gender row. Al Jazeera. Retrieved August 15th, 2024, from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/2/algerian-boxer-imane-khelif-becomes-target-of-gender-row-at-olympics
BBC. (2024, August 4). Boxing’s gender row – what’s going on and are Russia involved? BBC. Retrieved August 15th, 2024, from https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/articles/cnk4427vvd2o
BBC News Mundo. (2024, August 1). A polêmica luta de boxe de 46 segundos entre argelina e italiana na Olimpíada. BBC News – Brasil. Retrieved August 15th, 2024, from https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/articles/cz9x9ddw40yo
Folhapress. (2024, August 4). Argelina fala pela primeira vez após polêmica de gênero no boxe olímpico. Folhapress. Retrieved August 15th, 2024, from https://www.umdoisesportes.com.br/olimpiadas/paris-2024/argelina-fala-polemica-boxe-imane-khelif/
Frank, J.P. (2024, August 3). What’s Going On in Olympic Boxing? Vulture. Retrieved August 15th, 2024, from https://www.vulture.com/article/olympic-boxer-imane-khelif-gender-eligibility.html
Intarasuwan, K. (2024, August 2). Fact Check: Olympics boxing gender testing controversy explained. NBC New York. Retrieved August 15th, 2024, from https://www.nbcnewyork.com/paris-2024-summer-olympics/olympics-boxing-imane-khalif-xy-chromosome-italian-boxer-quit/5662035/
Keslassy, E., Ritman, A. (2024, August 13). J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk Named in Cyberbullying Lawsuit Filed by Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif After Olympic Win. Variety. Retrieved August 15th, 2024, from https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/jk-rowling-elon-musk-imane-khelif-lawsuit-1236105185/
Peter, J. (2024, August 5). Algerian boxer Imane Khelif speaks out at Olympics: ‘Refrain from bullying’. USA TODAY. Retrieved August 15th, 2024, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2024/08/05/imane-khelif-algerian-boxer-speaks-out/74669981007/
Radnedge, A., Selleck, E. (2024, August 14). Elon Musk and JK Rowling could be handed five-year prison sentences and fined up to £214,000 if Olympic boxer Imane Khelif wins criminal cyberbullying case. Daily Mail. Retrieved August 15th, 2024, from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13742909/Elon-Musk-JK-Rowling-prison-sentences-fined-Olympic-boxer-Imane-Khelif-cyberbullying.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=social-twitter_mailonline
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