Lina Hadid has joined the legal team representing Algerian Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif in a high-profile lawsuit against several prominent individuals, including Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling. Khelif, who triumphed in the women’s 66-kg boxing category at the 2024 Paris Olympics, filed the lawsuit in France earlier this month, accusing these public figures of “aggravated cyber harassment” following a wave of online abuse she endured during the games.
The harassment, fueled by baseless accusations about Khelif’s gender, intensified after Rowling and Musk publicly questioned her identity on social media. Despite being a biological woman and having the International Olympic Committee’s approval to compete, Khelif became the subject of widespread online vitriol. Rowling suggested that Khelif was a man “enjoying the distress” of her opponent, while Musk amplified the controversy by sharing a post from swimmer Riley Gaines asserting that “men don’t belong in women’s sports,” to which Musk agreed, responding, “Absolutely!”
The legal action, led by Paris-based lawyer Nabil Boudi, also targets former U.S. President Donald Trump, who made derogatory remarks about Khelif on social media. Trump posted, “I will keep men out of women’s sports!” alongside a picture of Khelif during her fight, further fueling the online attacks against the athlete.
Khelif’s case has sparked widespread outrage and ignited discussions about gender identity and the treatment of female athletes in sports. The involvement of high-profile figures in the harassment has raised questions about the influence of social media and the potential legal consequences for those who engage in cyberbullying.
