Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling have been at the heart of controversies despite their successful endeavours in their respective careers. Both share conservative perspectives over several issues that they are vocal about on their social media.
In yet another controversy that has emerged in France, the two have been named in a criminal complaint. They have been accused of “Acts of aggravated cyber harassment” against Algerian boxer and newly crowned Olympic champion Imane Khelif. Here’s everything you need to know about the controversy.
What Are The Allegations Made Against Elon Musk And J.K. Rowling?
Nabil Boudi, a Paris-based lawyer for Iman Khelif, said Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling had been named in the complaint filed with the anti-online hatred center of the Paris Prosecutor’s Office. Investigations have begun at the office, officially called the National Center for the Fight Against Online Hatred.
In an email, the office confirmed that it had indeed received Khelif’s complaint and announced that the investigation would be led by the Central Office for the Fight Against Crimes Against Humanity and Hate Crimes.
The charges pressed include cyber harassment due to gender, public insult on grounds of gender, public incitement to discrimination, and public insult on grounds of origin.But here’s where things get murky. The complaint was filed under French law against ‘X’, which enables prosecution of all possible culprits, including those hiding behind anonymous accounts.
However, the drama peaks at this point, as Boudi disclosed that a couple of the most polarizing names in popular culture are directly named. “J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk are named in the lawsuit, among others,” Boudi told Variety. Nabil Boudi even floated the idea that Donald Trump could be pulled into the probe.
“Trump tweeted, so whether or not he is named in our lawsuit, he will inevitably be looked into as part of the prosecution,” he added.
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What’s The Controversy Around Iman Khelif’s Olympics Performance?
Iman Khelif, who won Olympic gold in the women’s 66-kilogram boxing event, has spent much of the Paris 2024 Olympics embroiled in a maelstrom of controversy relating to her gender.
Female-born and not identifying as transgender or intersex, Khelif became the target of numerous accusations about her admissibility to compete. The International Olympic Committee intervened and said, “scientifically, this is not a man fighting a woman”, but that didn’t soothe the tempest.
The majority of the attacks were viral on social networks, amplified by notables. Rowling, known for her transphobic stance, tweeted out a shot of Khelif mid-fight, claiming she was a man who “enjoying the distress of a woman he’s just punched in the head.”
Not to be outdone, Elon Musk, chimed in with swimmer Riley Gaines that “men don’t belong in women’s sports,” adding his own emphatic “Absolutely.”
Even former U.S. President Donald Trump jumped into the ring, vowing to “keep men out of women’s sports!“
While this may seem like business as usual for the likes of Rowling and Musk, who have been engaging in online firestorms regularly, the situation has taken a rather legal turn. Boudi was clear that he would direct the investigation towards all those responsible, not just these celebrities.
“What we’re asking is that the prosecution investigates not only these people but whoever it feels necessary. If the case goes to court, they will stand trial,” he said.
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