Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has been at the center of a heated controversy, sparking outrage from global figures like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and J.K. Rowling. Despite the backlash, Khelif refuses to back down, and with her sights set on defending her crown at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, she has a bold message for President Trump.
The controversy surrounding Khelif began when she was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships over disputed claims that she failed gender eligibility tests. The International Boxing Association (IBA) reported that Khelif has male XY chromosomes, sparking debate about her right to compete in women’s boxing.
At the Paris Olympics, the controversy intensified when Khelif landed a powerful punch that forced Italy’s Angela Carini out of the ring. Carini withdrew, citing severe pain from the blow, and many questioned the fairness of the match.
Khelif went on to claim gold in the welterweight division, but the question remains whether she’ll be allowed to defend her title in Los Angeles. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is facing legal action for allowing her to compete, and President Trump has reignited the debate with an executive order titled Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.
Trump directly targeted Khelif, referring to her as a “male boxer” who had “transitioned” and “stole the women’s gold medal after brutalizing his female opponent.” However, Khelif is not backing down, and in an interview with ITV, she fired back at Trump, making it clear that she will not be intimidated.
Khelif dismissed any connection between herself and recent transgender policies in the U.S., stating that she is not transgender and that the issue does not concern her. Despite the firestorm of controversy, Khelif sees her triumph in Paris as the ultimate response to those who tried to bring her down.
Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer who won gold at the Paris Olympics amid a bitter gender eligibility row, speaks exclusively to @stevescott_itv about aiming to retain her title at LA 2028, why she isn’t intimidated by President Trump and how the ‘campaign’ against her in Paris… pic.twitter.com/aFNU13yeQf
— ITV News (@itvnews) March 18, 2025
The relentless criticism from high-profile figures has taken a serious toll on Khelif’s family, particularly her mother. Khelif has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling, accusing them of “cyber-harassment.” The negativity has affected Khelif mentally, but she refused to give in, revealing that she had a team of specialist doctors who provided her with support and assistance during the Paris Olympics.
As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Imane Khelif is determined to defend her title and prove her critics wrong.
