In a recent development, a criminal complaint has been filed with French authorities, accusing several high-profile individuals, including J.K. Rowling, Elon Musk, and former President Donald Trump, of "aggravated cyber harassment" against Algerian boxer and Olympic gold medalist, Imane Khelif. The lawsuit does not specify any particular defendants but aims to investigate all individuals who may have posted hateful messages under pseudonyms.

Khelif's attorney, Nabil Boudi, confirmed that Rowling and Musk are mentioned in the complaint, which was submitted on Friday in Paris. Boudi clarified that by not naming specific defendants in the lawsuit, it allows for a broader investigation into all potential offenders.

The controversy surrounding Khelif's gender identity erupted earlier this month when conservative pundits, media personalities, and lawmakers raised questions about her participation in the Olympic Games. The International Boxing Association (IBA) had conducted unspecified gender eligibility tests on Khelif and another Olympic boxer, Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan, during last year's Women's World Boxing Championships in New Delhi. However, both athletes, who do not identify as transgender, competed in the women's category at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo without any significant issues.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has challenged the validity of these gender tests, emphasizing that they are not indicative of transgender status.

The backlash intensified when misinformation about Khelif's gender circulated on social media platforms. The situation escalated further when former President Trump used a video from her fight against Italy's Angela Carini to support his campaign promise of keeping men out of women's sports. Trump falsely claimed that Khelif is transgender.

In response to the wave of hateful comments and misconceptions about her gender, Khelif expressed her concerns in an interview with The Associated Press. She emphasized that such actions harm human dignity and called for respect for Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter.

The investigation into the alleged acts of cyber harassment is expected to cover a wide range of individuals, including those who may have posted harmful messages under pseudonyms. The inclusion of former President Trump in the investigation highlights the broad scope of the investigation.

As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold and whether any individuals will be held accountable for their actions. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful dialogue and adherence to ethical standards in sports and society as a whole.