ALBAWABA - Algerian boxer and current Paris Olympics semi-finalist Imane Khelif cried during an interview after being bullied across social media over her appearance and claims that she's a transgender man.
Claims about her being transgender started after she defeated Italian boxer Angela Carini at the Paris Olympics who later apologized for not shaking Khelif's hand and quitting only 46 seconds into the bout.
According to BBC, Imane Khelif was disqualified from the Women's World Championships last year for "failing to meet eligibility criteria."
Video: Imane Khelif cries in live interview after days of online bullying
During the 10-second clip being shared across social media, Khelif said in Algerian, "I have been boxing for years in the International Boxing Association which has committed INJUSTICE towards me. But I have Allah with me... Allahu Akbar."
Users across social media expressed their opinions about the matter by taking to Khelif's side, here's what they had to say:
"I imagine how much she was bullied in childhood until she finally found a sport that gave her confidence and satisfaction. The last 2 days were too harsh and cruel for her. I wish you happiness and success, my dear."
"She's thriving, while jealous people are conspiring."
On the other hand, other users are still claiming that she's transgender by saying things like, "That's why she got disqualified from 3 competitions back in 2023?" and "Let this man fight with men, not women."
Algeria's Imane Khelif reacts prior to the match against Hungary's Anna Luca Hamori in the women's 66kg quarter-final boxing match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the North Paris Arena, in Villepinte on August 3, 2024. (Photo by MOHD RASFAN / AFP)
The news even reached presidential elect and former president of the US, Donald Trump as he also judged Imane Khelif during his Atlanta Rally.
"She got hit so hard, she didn't know what hit her," referring to the Italian boxer then said, "The person that transitioned, he was a good male boxer and she didn't even go down, he hit her with two jabs..." referring to Khelif.
A user slapped back at Trump and said, "All they have is lies. If you have a daughter, imagine almost half of a country calling her a man."
