ELON MUSK and JK Rowling have reportedly been named in a ‘cyberbullying’ lawsuit filed by Olympic champion Imane Khelif.
Social media erupted when footage of Khelif defeating Angela Carini in just 46 seconds went viral earlier this month.
Khelif, who was disqualified from the women’s world championships last year, was allowed to compete in Paris by the International Olympic Committee despite the gender eligibility controversy.
Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, and Musk criticized Khelif’s participation on X (formerly Twitter). Rowling wrote: “He’s protected by a misogynist sporting establishment enjoying the distress of a woman he’s just punched in the head.”
X co-owner Musk also expressed his agreement with a post stating ‘men don’t belong in women’s sports’ with a photo of Carini.
Variety reported that both Rowling and Musk have been named in a criminal complaint to French authorities for alleged cyberbullying following Khelif’s Olympic participation.
Khelif’s attorney confirmed that Musk and Rowling are mentioned in the complaint made to the Paris Prosecutor’s Office on August 13, which has launched an investigation.
The complaint also targets X, allowing the prosecution to investigate anyone who sent hateful messages to Khelif.
Boudi stressed that the investigation goes beyond Musk and Rowling, saying: “What we’re asking is that the prosecution investigates not only these people but whoever it feels necessary. If the case goes to court, they will stand trial.”