Khelif, however, did not remain silent. In a heartfelt statement posted on her remaining social media platforms, she expressed her disappointment over the attacks on her character and emphasized that she has always played by the rules of her sport. “I have dedicated my life to boxing, and I have never cheated or taken shortcuts,” Khelif stated. “It’s disheartening to see how quickly people can turn on you without knowing the full story.”
In the days that followed, Khelif’s supporters launched a campaign to challenge Musk’s influence, using the hashtag #StandWithKhelif to rally support for the boxer. The campaign quickly gained momentum, with fans, athletes, and even celebrities joining the cause, calling for an end to the “unfair treatment” Khelif was receiving.
The International Boxing Association (IBA), which had previously cleared Khelif of any wrongdoing, found itself under renewed pressure to address the controversy. While they reiterated their earlier stance, stating that Khelif was fully eligible to compete in the women’s category, the situation has reignited debates about gender eligibility in sports, a topic that has long been a point of contention in the athletic community.
As the saga continues to unfold, Musk has remained unyielding in his position, occasionally responding to critics with his signature sarcasm and wit. Meanwhile, Khelif’s team is considering legal action against the individuals and organizations they believe have defamed her.
