Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has publicly criticized Elon Musk for leading what she describes as a “cruel” campaign during this summer’s Olympics. Despite winning a gold medal in the women’s welterweight division in Paris, Khelif found herself at the center of a heated controversy over her gender, which dominated headlines during the Games.

Khelif faced similar scrutiny in 2023, when she was disqualified from the World Boxing Championships for allegedly having “XY” male chromosomes, a claim that sparked global outrage. However, the International Boxing Association has never presented any scientific evidence to support the allegations.

In an interview on French television, Khelif recounted how Musk, along with other high-profile figures, had joined in the online harassment. Musk had retweeted a message suggesting that men should not participate in women’s sports, indirectly referencing Khelif’s match against Italy’s Angela Carini in the round of 16.

“Elon Musk was one of the first to attack me in this hate campaign,” Khelif said emotionally. “He spread the rumor and carried out this vicious attack on me, my family and my mother, who was going to the hospital every day at that time.”

Despite the pain caused by the accusations, Khelif remained steadfast and attributed her strength and resilience to her faith. “I am a practicing Muslim woman and I got through this period with the guidance of God. “I will come back stronger and more motivated,” she said.