The 2024 Olympics is generating plenty of headlines, from Leon Marchand's emergence, to Simone Biles' continued excellence, to Katie Ledecky's history-making swims.
Yet it would not be an Olympic Games without at least one controversy, and the biggest so far comes from women's boxing.
Algeria's Imane Khelif finds herself in the eye of the storm. Italy's Angela Carini quit her Round of 16 match against Khelif after 46 seconds, spurring backlash against her opponent.
In 2023, Khelif failed a gender eligibility test from the International Boxing Association, itself a scandal-plagued organization. The women's welterweight boxer met International Olympic Committee eligibility rules, and the IOC defended her right to compete in the wake of Thursday's bout.
DECOURCY: Imane Khelif's current opponent is bigger than her sport
Still, a number of high-profile celebrities and media members have taken to social media to give their thoughts on the situation — and not all did the proper research. YouTuber and professional wrestler Logan Paul is among the guilty parties.
Paul, the brother of boxer Jake Paul, posted a negative message about Khelif but has since deleted it and apologized for spreading "misinformation" on the matter. Here is what Paul said about the Khelif.
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What did Logan Paul say about Imane Khelif?
In a since-deleted post on X, formerly Twitter, Paul slammed Khelif after her Round of 16 win over Carini, adding to the false narratives about Khelif.
"This is the purest form of evil unfolding right before our eyes," Paul said. "A man was allowed to beat up a woman on a global stage, crushing her life’s dream while fighting for her deceased father. This delusion must end."
Paul then retracted his message, posting an apology instead saying that he was "guilty of spreading misinformation along with the entirety of this app."
‼️ OOPSIES ‼️
— Logan Paul (@LoganPaul) August 1, 2024
I might be guilty of spreading misinformation along with the entirety of this app
Although she’s been previously disqualified for failing a “gender test” and has XY chromosomes, some sources say Imane Khelif was born a biological woman
I stand by my sentiment… https://t.co/oVfWARylCJ pic.twitter.com/S2QvHPHwWg
"I stand by my sentiment that biological men should not compete against biological women in any sport and if you disagree you’re a sick f—," Paul.
MORE: Who is Imane Khelif? More to know about the Algerian boxer
The former YouTuber isn't the only one that was quick to spread misinformation. His brother, Jake, posted: "This is sickening. This is a travesty. Doesn’t matter what you believe. This is wrong and dangerous."
ESPN's Pat McAfee went on a five-minute rant on the matter, despite admitting during the segment that he "hasn't done enough research." Famed "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling also posted on X slamming Khelif for her actions and has continued posting on the controversy.
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
MORE: Imane Khelif's gender eligibility test, explained
Imane Khelif controversy
Khelif was disqualified just before the final of the World Championships in March 2023 for "medical reasons."
While some reports indicate Khelif was found to have had a high level of testosterone, the International Boxing Association (IBA), which administered the test, said Khelif failed a "separate and recognized test" in a statement. IBA president Umar Kremlev said Khelif was "proven" to have XY chromosomes, which sparked outrage throughout the sports world and beyond.
In response, the Algeria Olympic Committee said it "strongly condemns the unethical targeting and maligning of our esteemed athlete, Imane Khelif, with baseless propaganda from certain foreign media outlets," according to the statement via the BBC.
"Such attacks on her personality and dignity are deeply unfair, especially as she prepares for the pinnacle of her career at the Olympics. The COA has taken all necessary measures to protect our champion."
Since the IBA no longer governs Olympic boxing, it was up to the IOC to come to a decision. The group elected to allow Khelif to participate in the Olympic boxing tournament.
"I would just say that everyone competing in the women's category is complying with the competition eligibility rules," IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said earlier this week. "They are women in their passports and it is stated that is the case.
"They have competed and they continue to compete in the women's competition. They have lost and they have won against other women over the years."
