Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who recently won the Olympic gold medal, has taken legal action over media reports that included leaked details of her medical records. The scandal sparked a heated debate after emerging during the Paris 2024 Olympics when 25-year-old Imane Khelif, fresh from her historic victory, downed Italian Angela Carini in just 46 seconds. The shock defeat that left Carini with a severe nose injury and visibly shaken brought serious media focus and, with it, intense public commentating.

Where the new controversy started

Reports from French media outlets this week suggested that Khelif has XY chromosomes, reigniting a conversation around her eligibility to compete in the women’s boxing category. The issue has drawn comments from famous figures, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling, underlining the cultural and political weight of the topic.

As a consequence of the comprehensive public discussion and cyberbullying, Khelif has initiated lawsuits in France against individuals and media outlets that have spoken about her gender in the context of the Olympic Games. The IOC cited that Khelif is preparing additional lawsuits against the media regarding the reporting of her alleged medical record.

The IOC refused to make specific comments on the case in question or on the details of Khelif's medical file, which, it claimed, are not yet confirmed."We understand that Imane Khelif has taken legal action against individuals who commented on her situation during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and is also preparing a lawsuit in response to the latest reporting," the IOC stated.

The IOC highlighted that Khelif has competed in women's boxing at major international competitions, including the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, IBA World Championships, and IBA-sanctioned competitions. The organization sympathized with Khelif, condemning the harassment and unflattering attention she has received as this scandal took center stage. "The IOC is saddened by the abuse that Imane Khelif is currently receiving," it added.

Once she returned from the Olympics, Khelif was welcomed like any hero. The fans and supporters were celebrating her success even when trying to forget the turmoil that dominated much of the media. To this day, the case remains a focal point in the ongoing debate on gender eligibility in sport