Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif has publicly condemned Elon Musk for the transphobic and racist abuse she received during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Khelif, a cisgender woman, faced relentless online harassment following her victory in the first round of her fight at the Olympics, where her opponent quit early.
The International Boxing Association (IBA), led by Russian officials, alleged that Khelif had failed a gender eligibility test after defeating a Russian boxer in a tournament the previous year. Despite the lack of evidence and the IBA’s troubled history with corruption scandals, the accusations gained traction on social media.
Celebrities like Elon Musk, J.K. Rowling, and Donald Trump contributed to the hateful rhetoric surrounding Khelif, calling her a man competing in women’s sports and labeling her a cheater. Musk, in particular, retweeted a post from anti-trans activist Riley Gaines, which said, “Men don’t belong in women’s sports.” This post included a photo of Khelif’s opponent, further fueling the harassment against the Olympic champion.
In an interview with the French news show Clique, Khelif opened up about the profound impact of the hate campaign, revealing that it affected not only her but also her family. She shared how her mother, deeply affected by the attacks, was in and out of the hospital during this period.
Khelif explained the pain she felt, saying, “Elon Musk was one of the first to attack me. He posted and retweeted hateful messages about me, and I don’t understand why. You hate me, but you don’t even know me.” She went on to say that the cruelty shown towards her and her family during this time was incomprehensible, especially given her dedication to her faith and her identity as a practicing Muslim Arabic woman.
Despite the immense pressure, Khelif remains resilient. She expressed her determination to rise above the hate, saying, “God is my guide. I’m going to stay strong and come back even more motivated.”
Imane Khelif’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of support and understanding, as well as the harmful effects of online hate. As she continues to overcome these challenges, her strength and perseverance shine through, inspiring others to rise above hate and continue to push forward.
