Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif’s Beauty Makeover Video Goes Viral Amid Paris Olympics Gender Controversy

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, recently won gold in the 66kg category at the Paris Olympics, despite being labelled as a biological male. Following her victory ,she has become involved in a significant gender controversy.

Amid all these controversies, Khelif has released a video showcasing a feminine makeover, including a chic hairstyle, makeup, and traditional Algerian attire. The video quickly went viral, amassing millions of views on social media. Despite the makeover, Khelif continues to face criticism, with some commenters still referring to her as male.

Watch the video here:

According to a report by NDTV Sports Khelif, who defeated China’s Yang Liu in the final, has filed a cyberbullying lawsuit in France on Wednesday after enduring a wave of online harassment and transphobic abuse including Tesla owner Elon Musk and famous British author JK Rowling in it. Her lawyer , Nabil Boudi, described it as “misogynist, racist, and sexist” attacks. Speaking to Variety, Boudi stated, “We’re asking the prosecution to investigate these individuals and anyone else involved. If the case goes to court, they will stand trial.”

The controversy began after Khelif’s first-round bout against Italy’s Angela Carini, which ended in just 46 seconds. Carini’s abrupt defeat led to a surge of speculation and accusations regarding Khelif’s gender, fueled by a failed gender eligibility test at the 2023 IBA World Boxing Championships. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, during a campaign rally in Montana on August 9, referred to Khelif as a man, saying, “Who wants men to participate in women’s sports?” Trump’s comments were echoed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk and British author J.K. Rowling, both of whom made indirect remarks on social media questioning Khelif’s gender.

Speaking to American publication Variety, Boudi said: “JK Rowling and Elon Musk are named in the lawsuit, among others.” However as Trump tweeted, so whether or not Trump will be named in their lawsuit, he will inevitably be looked into as part of the prosecution.

Boudi also said more people could be added if the case goes to court.

Both Musk and Rowling labeled Khelif as “male,” with the British author claiming that Khelif was “enjoying the distress of a woman” following her victory over Italy’s Angela Carini.

Notably, Carini was seen in tears after Khelif defeated her in the Round of 16 at the Paris Olympics earlier this month.

Despite the controversy, Khelif remains steadfast in her identity and chose to address the controversy publicly only after securing the gold medal at the Games.

“I want to tell the entire world that I am a female, and I will remain a female,” she declared after her Olympic win. “I hope that people will commit to the Olympic charter and its values. We’re here to perform for our audience and families. I hope we will not see similar attacks in future Olympics.”

As the legal proceedings unfold, Khelif’s story highlights the ongoing challenges faced by female athletes who are subjected to gender scrutiny in the public eye.