Algerian Olympic champion boxer Imane Khelif has spoken out for the first time about the intense scrutiny and misinformation she faced during the Paris Games. In an interview with Algerian news channel El Bilad, Khelif shared her emotional distress caused by unfounded claims questioning her gender after she won the gold medal in the women’s 66-kilogram category.

The controversy erupted when her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, withdrew just seconds into their match, fueling rumors and false allegations that Khelif was transgender or even male. Despite the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) defense and condemnation of the misinformation, the issue escalated with high-profile figures like Donald Trump, J.K. Rowling, and Elon Musk making critical remarks online.

“It affected me a lot, it hurt me a lot. I can’t describe to you the amount of fear I had,” Khelif revealed. She expressed her dismay at the politicization of sports and the personal attacks on her identity, culture, and religious values.

Khelif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, has filed a legal complaint with the Paris prosecutor’s office, leading to an investigation into the online hate campaign. The charges being considered include cyber harassment, public insults, and incitement to discrimination.

Despite the adversity, Khelif remains resilient and demands justice and respect. “If someone apologizes to me, I will accept their apology,” she stated. “But to those who don’t apologize, I send a message: I am a female, and I will remain a female, and my honor comes before everything.”