Algerian female boxer Imane Khelif targeted by racist campaign

From British writer J.K. Rowling to American billionaire Elon Musk, a large number of right-wing figures launched a bullying and hate campaign against Algerian boxer Imane Khelif after she advanced to the quarterfinals of the women’s 66kg event.

Khelif, 25, found herself amidst a hate campaign after being declared the winner of her bout on Thursday.

Her competitor, Italy’s Angela Carini, abandoned the match only after 46 seconds and refused to shake Khelif’s hand.

The Italian boxer said she could no longer continue after she took a punch on her nose.

Following this, Khelif became the target of a campaign of vitriol, racism, and disinformation concerning her gender identity.

She was accused of being transgender, biologically male and intersex, even though there was no evidence or proof to back such claims.

In a post on X, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling fanned the flames of the fiasco, accusing her of "being a man protected by a misogynist sporting establishment enjoying the distress of a woman he’s just punched in the head."

Many right-wing to far-right social media accounts threw more baseless accusations at Khelif.

Even X owner and Tesla founder Elon Musk replied "absolutely" to a post by swimmer Riley Gaines who said, "Men don’t belong in women’s sports.”

British broadcaster Piers Morgan went on to publish an article in the British tabloid The Sun accusing Khelif of "not being a biological woman," describing her victory against Carini as "a sickening sight.”

Italian populist deputy PM Matteo Salvini called Khelif’s victory "truly an-Olympic scene."

"Shame on the bureaucrats who allowed a match that was obviously not on equal terms," he said.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the win was "unfair.”

However, amid the hate campaign, several activists defended Khelif.

They accused the right-wing gang of racism against the Algerian boxer due to failing to conform to "Western standards" of femininity.

British Labour MPs Zarah Sultana and Nadia Whittome disparaged the racism Khelif has been subjected to.

They said that the attacks not only "hurt trans people, but also other women who don't fit conventional ideas of femininity."

Many compared the issue with cases involving US tennis player Serena Williams, Indian sprinter Dutee Chand and South African sprinter Caster Semenya who have been accused of "not being female" following success in their respective sports. All of them are Black and non-white women.

Khelif was raised as a female. Her childhood images were posted online to "prove" her gender soon after the hate campaign started.

Activists also pointed out that the idea of Khelif being transgender is improbable as Algeria bars gender reassignment surgery.

The International Olympic Committee defended the Algerian boxer's participation in the Games.

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