LONDON: YouTuber Logan Paul has deleted a controversial post on X suggesting that Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif is a man.
Khelif was at the center of a dramatic row after her opponent in the quarter-finals of the women's 66 kg boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Italy's Angela Carini, withdrew from the battle after just 46 seconds.
Carini broke down in tears, refused to shake Khelif's hand, and later said she had “never felt a punch” as powerful as the two Khelif's before the fight ended.
Khelif's inclusion in the Olympics has been embroiled in controversy after he was ruled out of the 2023 World Boxing Championships in New Delhi after failing to meet the requirements of the International Boxing Association gender.
The IBA did not disclose why he failed the test, but said he did not perform a testosterone evaluation. Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting was also disqualified due to his poor performance.
Paul posted in X after the Carini war was over: “This is the purest form of evil appearing before our eyes.” He added: “A man was allowed to beat a woman on the world stage, crushing her life's dreams while fighting for her late father. This deception must end.”
However, after another user pointed out that Khelif neither identifies as male, nor transgender or intersex, Paul deleted the post and wrote: “Wow, I might be guilty of spreading misinformation. with this application. Although she was previously ruled out for failing the 'gender test' and having an XY chromosome, some sources claim that Imane Khelif was born biologically female.
“I stand by my feelings that biological males should not compete against biological females in any sport.”
Paul also posted a poll on X asking the question, “Do I think men shouldn't be allowed to compete with transphobic women?”
In a statement, the International Olympic Committee defended Khelif's involvement, saying: “At the end of the 2023 IBA World Championships he was suddenly withdrawn without they qualified (Khelif and Lin).
“According to the IBA minutes available on their website, only the IBA Secretary General and the IBA CEO took this decision.”
The IOC added: “The violence against these two athletes today is entirely based on this senseless decision, which was taken without due process, especially considering that the athletes these have been competing in high competition for many years.
“The IOC is saddened by the abuse these two athletes are currently experiencing. Everyone has the right to exercise without discrimination.”
