What could happen to JK Rowling if Imane Khelif wins lawsuit

JK Rowling could be in serious legal trouble if Algerian boxer Imane Khelif wins her lawsuit.

The world cheered on when Khelif won gold during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

However, Imane's incredible achievements were, unfortunately, tarnished by an extremely aggravated dispute over her gender and she faced an avalanche of unfounded accusations and abuse, despite the fact she was born female and does not identify as either transgender or intersex.

Following Khelif's Olympics success, the 25-year-old Algerian boxer has filed a criminal complaint over alleged 'acts of aggravated cyber harassment' and named the likes of JK Rowling, Elon Musk and Donald Trump.

So, what could happen to Rowling if Khelif wins the lawsuit?

Imane Khelif has named JK Rowling in a criminal complaint. (Richard Pelham / Stringer / Getty Images)

Well, Nabil Boudi, the Paris-based attorney of Khelif, confirmed to Variety that both Rowling and Musk have both been named in the complaint filed to French authorities over alleged 'acts of aggravated cyber harassment'.

On Tuesday (13 August) Boudi revealed to the outlet: "JK Rowling and Elon Musk are named in the lawsuit, among others."

On X, Rowling referred to the decorated world champion as a 'male' and accused her of 'enjoying the distress' of Carini and 'shattering' her 'life’s ambition'.

The lawyer also explained that, while the complaint mentions names, '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'.

JK Rowling spread misinformation about Imane Khelif (Dia Dipasupil / Staff / Getty Images)

And, according to MailOnline, those found guilty for cyber-bullying under French law could face prison sentence from two to five years.

Alongside this, repercussions could also see the defendant pay a fine between £26,000 and £39,000.

If the individual in question is found to have committed online hate speech, then the fines could be exponentially higher at anywhere between £64,000 and £214,000, the outlet adds.

Khelif has since spoken out about her experience, explaining that she was 'hurt' by the constant comments and speculation over her gender.

"Immediately after there was a big uproar from big politicians around the world, athletes around the world, and even artists and stars, Elon Musk, Trump.. this thing... that affected me," she told El Bilad, an Algerian-based news channel.

"I am not lying to you, it affected me. It affected me a lot, hurt me a lot. I can't describe to you the amount of fear I had.

"The scenario was very scary. Thank god, all the people of Algeria and the Arab world knew Imane Khelif with her femininity, her courage, her will.

"Honestly, I don't like to get into politics in sports, but they got into politics in sports. Sports and politics are two separate things. These politicians who are oppressing me, they don't have the right to say that I'm... transgender."