Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who was at the center of a gender controversy at the Paris Olympic Games earlier this year, is facing renewed criticism after an alleged medical report leak claims the boxer has 5-alpha reductase deficiency—a rare genetic condition affecting sexual development in biological males. French journalist Djaffar Ait Aoudia reportedly obtained the report, which states Khelif "has no uterus and possesses internal testicles." The report, attributed to medical experts from Paris's Kremlin-Bicêtre Hospital and Algiers's Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Hospital in June 2023,has not been independently verified by Times Now.
Aoudia's claim quickly went viral on social media, sparking public backlash. Swimmer Riley Gaines criticized Khelif, writing, "Remember the man who won an Olympic gold medal in women’s boxing? His medical reports show he has XY chromosomes, male testosterone levels, testicles, & a micropenis. But that never mattered—they believe that words & feelings make you woman, not biology."
Internet person Oli London also weighed in: "The Olympics wanted you to believe this is a WOMAN. Imane Khelif was allowed to beat up women and claim a gold medal. Those that stood up against the injustice were called ‘racist.’ Now, medical reports reveal Imane Khelif is in fact a MALE."
🚨🇩🇿MEDICAL REPORT REVEALS ALGERIAN BOXER IMANE KHELIF HAS XY CHROMOSOMESA leaked report has revealed that Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who won gold at the Paris Olympics in women’s boxing, has XY chromosomes and internal testes.The findings, linked to a rare sexual… pic.twitter.com/H3qCmCUyBD
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 4, 2024
This report leak surfaces just two days after Khelif appeared on the cover of Arabian Vogue. Reflecting on her Olympic experience, Khelif told the magazine, "Despite winning the gold medal, that one event felt like a whole lifetime."
"I was able to overcome it all thanks to my faith in God, in myself, and my dream. Without such challenges, I would never have become a champion," Khelif added.
Previously, Khelif faced scrutiny over her gender when reports indicated indicated the 25-year-old was barred from competing in the 2023 boxing world championships after allegedly failing a gender eligibility test by the International Boxing Association (IBA). However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) disputed the IBA's findings, stating, "Scientifically, this is not a man fighting a woman." Khelif won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
In August, Khelif filed a cyberbullying lawsuit over alleged "aggravated cyber harassment," naming high-profile figures like J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk in the case.