Imane Khelif reacts to criticism from Trump and Elon Musk

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has spoken out after facing a wave of criticism on social media during the Paris Olympics, the most queer ever, in response to questions about her gender. Figures such as former US President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk were among the personalities who raised doubts about her participation in the women’s boxing event, despite the International Olympic Committee confirming that Khelif met all required regulations.

Khelif, who won the middleweight gold medal by defeating China’s Yang Liu by unanimous decision, was the target of online attacks that incorrectly accused her of being a transgender athlete. Critics included author JK Rowling, who questioned her participation in the competition.

In an interview with Algerian news outlet El Bilad, Khelif expressed her displeasure with the criticism and the impact it had on her. “There was a lot of noise from politicians, athletes, stars, artists, Elon Musk and Donald Trump, and it hurt me a lot. I can’t describe how scared I was,” the boxer revealed.

Khelif criticized political interference in sports, especially from public figures who unfairly attacked her. “I don’t like to get involved in politics in sports, but they have put politics in sports. Sports and politics are two separate things. These politicians who oppress me have no right to say that I am transgender.”

By Ezatamentchy