Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif has announced her intent to pursue legal action against a journalist who published an unverified and allegedly leaked medical report about her. The report falsely claimed the Algerian boxer “has male characteristics,” despite clear denials from both Khelif and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Appearing on the Italian program Lo Stato delle Cose, Khelif addressed host Massimo Giletti, saying, “I wasn’t aware of President Meloni’s statements, but I’ve noticed many politicians and leaders speak without relying on credible sources.”
“We’ll face the French journalist in court.”
Imane Khelif has vowed to sue a journalist over the publication of an allegedly leaked medical report claiming she has male chromosomes.
On October 25, nearly three months after the conclusion of the Olympic Games, the French magazine Le Correspondant and other outlets published a false report claiming that Imane Khelif, who was born biologically female and identifies as a woman, has XY (male) chromosomes.
According to Bild, the report allegedly stemmed from a collaboration between French and Algerian endocrinologists from the Kremlin-Bicetre Hospital in Paris and the Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Hospital in Algiers, dated June 2023.
The publication further accused Khelif of undergoing hormone therapy prior to the Olympics, citing the supposedly leaked medical report.
Jacques Young, an endocrinologist at Bicetre Hospital in Paris, denied involvement in the report and told DW his name was being used to spread false information with an anti-trans agenda.
The Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) responded, saying, “These baseless attacks aim to damage the reputation of an athlete who has brought pride to our nation.
“We strongly condemn these attempts to destabilize her, which have no place in sports.”
Imane Khelif added, “We’ll see the French journalist in court.”
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), which oversees Olympic sports, declined to comment on “unverified documents whose origin cannot be confirmed” but acknowledged that the boxer is reportedly “preparing a lawsuit in response to recent reporting.”
The unverified report was widely circulated by various media outlets, as well as former swimmers Riley Gaines and Sharron Davies, who have been vocal opponents of including transgender women in female sports categories.
Khelif also addressed remarks by Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who had criticized her match against Italian boxer Angela Carini. Carini withdrew from their Olympic bout after just 46 seconds.
In August, Meloni wrote, “I know you won’t give up, Angela, and I believe that one day, through effort and determination, you will earn what you deserve—in a competition that is truly fair.”
Angela Carini initially refused to shake Imane Khelif’s hand after their bout but later apologized. “I have nothing against Angela Carini,” the Algerian boxer said.
“She’s a young boxer, and I hold no grudge against those who pressured her into acting that way. I’m certain the pressure she faced influenced her behavior.
“I want to send a message to Angela: you are and will always be a friend. I accepted your apology wholeheartedly. I wish you every success. People make mistakes, but it’s important to learn from them.”
After her quick victory over Carini, defeating her in under a minute, Khelif became the target of online harassment and faced scrutiny over her body and gender.
The match triggered a surge of transphobic comments online, with prominent figures like Donald Trump, J.K. Rowling, and Elon Musk opposing Imane Khelif’s participation in the competition and misgendering her on social media.
Khelif, who secured gold by defeating China’s Yang Liu in the women’s 66-kilogram category, faced ongoing scrutiny and speculation about her body throughout the Olympic Games.
The controversy traces back to allegations from the Russian-led International Boxing Association (IBA), which disqualified Khelif from its world championships in 2022 and 2023, claiming she failed unspecified gender tests on two occasions.
However, the IBA has never provided credible evidence to support its claims that Khelif has XY chromosomes. The IOC dismissed the tests as “not legitimate” and had already revoked the IBA’s Olympic status in 2019 due to governance issues, corruption, and financial mismanagement.
Khelif called Angela Carini a friend and said she had fully accepted the Italian athlete’s apology for refusing to shake her hand after their bout.
In response to the accusations against Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, who was also disqualified by the IBA, the IOC reaffirmed that both athletes are eligible to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“All athletes participating in the boxing tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games meet the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations, as well as all medical standards set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit,” the IOC stated on August 1.
“We have seen misleading reports about two female athletes competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics… The IOC is deeply concerned about the abuse these athletes are facing.
“The aggression against them stems from an arbitrary decision made without a proper procedure—especially considering these athletes have been competing at the highest level for many years. Everyone has the right to participate in sports without discrimination.”
In August, a criminal complaint was filed with the anti-online hatred center of the Paris public prosecutor’s office, accusing those responsible of “aggravated cyber harassment” against Khelif.
Many social media users continue to express opposition to the boxer’s participation in the Olympics.
