Elon Musk and JK Rowling might potentially be subjected to a maximum of five years imprisonment or a fine of £214,000 in the event that Imane Khelif emerges victorious in the cyberbullying legal action she initiated in Paris following the culmination of the Olympics, where she endured consistent online abuse referring to her as a male individual. Elon Musk and JK Rowling were implicated in the cyberbullying lawsuit brought forward by Imane Khelif against X in Paris recently – and could be liable for imprisonment if the legal case is resolved in favor of the boxer.
As per the Daily Mail, if Imane Khelif secures a successful outcome with her legal action, the consequences for cyberbullying as per French regulations encompass potential prison sentences spanning from two to five years or fines ranging from £26,000 to £39,000. In situations where the parties are proven guilty of propagating online hate speech, the imposed fines could vary from £69,000 to £214,000.
Nabil Boudi, the legal representative in Paris for Khelif, elucidated that the allegations were directed towards X itself, thereby guaranteeing that the legal proceedings have the liberty to extend investigations to all individuals,” including those concealing their identities behind pseudonyms or anonymous accounts – to ensure a thorough examination of any cyber offenses against Khelif and her gender.
The full support of Imane Khelif was provided by the International Olympic Committee amidst a major controversy where noteworthy personalities like JK Rowling, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump asserted that she was male. The IOC clarified that “scientifically, this does not pertain to a male combating a female” and it was substantiated that she was biologically female, rejecting the aspersions indicating intersex traits that others purported. JK Rowling uploaded a photograph of Imane Khelif following her victory over Italian pugilist Angela Carini to her extensive following, insinuating that Khelif was reveling in the distress of a woman she had just defeated.
What are the implications of this legal action by Imane Khelif on prominent figures such as JK Rowling who do not reside in France? Boudi detailed that the legal case could have ramifications internationally for individuals beyond French borders, positing that “it could implicate international figures,” and highlighting that “the office of the public prosecutor for addressing online hate speech retains the prerogative to seek cross-border legal assistance.”
Boudi further stated: “Our plea is for the prosecution to not only scrutinize these individuals but whoever they deem requisite. In the event of a trial, they will be required to appear in court.”
