Elon Musk and JK Rowling could face up to five years in prison or a fine of £214,000 if Imane Khelif wins the cyberbullying lawsuit she has filed in Paris. The case was initiated after the Olympics, where Khelif, a boxer, was repeatedly targeted online with accusations that she was male. Musk and Rowling are among those implicated in the lawsuit against the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, and could face serious consequences if the court rules in favor of Khelif.
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| Image credits: Olympics |
According to the Daily Mail, if Khelif's case is successful, French law stipulates penalties for cyberbullying that include prison sentences ranging from two to five years and fines between £26,000 and £39,000. In cases where online hate speech is proven, fines can escalate to between £69,000 and £214,000.
Khelif's lawyer, Nabil Boudi, explained that the lawsuit is directed at the platform X itself, which allows the investigation to extend to all individuals involved, including those using pseudonyms or anonymous accounts. The legal proceedings aim to ensure a comprehensive examination of any cyber offenses committed against Khelif and her gender.
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| Image credits: Guardian Sport |
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has fully supported Khelif amid the controversy, during which prominent figures such as JK Rowling, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump claimed that she was male. The IOC clarified that Khelif is biologically female, dismissing any suggestions of intersex traits. Despite this, JK Rowling posted a photo of Khelif after her victory over Italian boxer Angela Carini, insinuating that Khelif took pleasure in defeating a woman.
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| Image credits: elonmusk |
What does this lawsuit mean for high-profile individuals like JK Rowling who do not reside in France? Boudi noted that the case could have international implications, potentially involving figures outside of France. He emphasized that the public prosecutor's office has the authority to seek cross-border legal assistance in cases of online hate speech.
Boudi also stated, "Our request is for the prosecution to investigate not only these individuals but anyone they deem necessary. If the case goes to trial, they will be required to appear in court."
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