Paris Olympics 2024: Imane Khelif vs. Angela Carini Controversy Sparks Social Media Debate

On Thursday, Italian boxer Angela Carini withdrew from her 66 kg women's boxing match against Algeria's Imane Khalif, giving Khalif an easy win. 

Khalif, who had been banned from world championships due to issues with testosterone and gender tests, won the fight in just 46 seconds after Carini quit. Only a few punches were thrown before Carini left the ring, which is unusual in Olympic boxing.

This win has garnered criticism all over the world, with some notable figures taking to X (former Twitter) and other social media platform to make their dissatisfaction known.

Italy PM Posts in Support of Carini

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni visited Carini and shared a photo on Instagram. Meloni wrote, "I know you won’t give up, Angela. I believe you'll earn what you deserve with hard work and determination, in a fair competition."

JK Rowling Pro Carini

JK Rowling came in support of Carini. She wrote "Could any picture sum up our new men's rights movement better? The smirk of a male who knows he's protected by a misogynist sporting establishment enjoying the distress of a woman he's just punched in the head, and whose life's ambition he's just shattered," JK Rowling wrote on X.

Could any picture sum up our new men’s rights movement better? The smirk of a male who’s knows he’s protected by a misogynist sporting establishment enjoying the distress of a woman he’s just punched in the head, and whose life’s ambition he’s just shattered. #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/Q5SbKiksXQ

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 1, 2024

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Elon Musk’s Reaction 

Elon Musk reacted to a post by sports host Riley Gaines, who said, "Men shouldn't compete in women's sports #IStandWithAngelaCarini. Let's make this trend." Musk responded with, "Absolutely."

Absolutely https://t.co/twccUEOW9e

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 1, 2024

Kangana Ranaut’s Support of Carini

Kangana posted a photo on her Instagram stories showing Angela Carini in tears with a broken nose after the match. She wrote:

“This girl had to fight a 7-foot tall person who is biologically male, with all male features. He fought her like a man in a physical abuse situation, but he says he identifies as female, so he won the women's boxing match. Woke culture is unfair and unjust. Speak up before it affects your own daughter’s job or medals. #SaveWomenSports”

Former British PM Supports Carini

Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss tweeted, “When will this madness end? Men can’t become women. Why isn’t the British Government opposing this?”

IOC Backs Khelifi

Due to many social media comments, the IOC defended Imane Khelif, stating, "All athletes in the Paris 2024 Olympic boxing tournament meet the eligibility and medical rules set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit. As with past Olympic boxing events, athletes' gender and age are determined by their passports."

Joint Paris 2024 Boxing Unit/IOC Statementhttps://t.co/22yVzxFuLd pic.twitter.com/fZvgsW8OOi

— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) August 1, 2024

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