"Pretty," "Please sign"... 'Gender controversy' boxer receives explosive reactions at fashion show venue

Algerian Boxer Khalif Attends Milan Fashion Week
Female Boxer with 'XY Chromosome' Wins Gold Medal
Also Files Lawsuit Over SNS Comments Calling Her 'Man'

Imane Khelif (25), the Algerian female boxer who won the gold medal overcoming the 'gender controversy' at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was recently spotted visiting Milan Fashion Week in Italy. On the 23rd (local time), the local daily La Repubblica reported, "Fans who recognized Khelif, who attended the Bottega Veneta fashion show at Milan Fashion Week as an invited guest the day before, flooded her with autograph and photo requests."

Khalif attending Milan Fashion Week and signing autographs for fans. [Captured from Italian daily Corriere dello Sport, Yonhap News]

Khelif was seen with her hair tied in a single braid, wearing a yellow top, black leather pants, and gold earrings. She smiled and calmly responded to people's requests, while some fans shouted, "You look beautiful," welcoming her warmly. Sitting next to Khelif were world-renowned celebrities such as Hollywood actress Julianne Moore and A$AP Rocky, the rapper and husband of pop star Rihanna. Regarding this, La Repubblica stated, "The fans' reaction was enthusiastic," and "Khelif received a reception befitting an Olympic star."

On the 22nd (local time), Iman Khalif attended the Bottega Veneta fashion show at Milan Fashion Week in Italy.
[Image source=Captured from Iman Khalif's Instagram]

Last year, Khelif was disqualified by the International Boxing Association (IBA) at the World Championships for having the 'XY chromosome,' which generally indicates male. However, the gender controversy arose after she qualified for the Paris Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stated, "Gender is determined based on the passport," and "There is no problem with Khelif competing in the women's boxing event."

This sparked criticism that it was "unfair to female athletes." Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confronted IOC President Thomas Bach before the match between Khelif and Italy's Angela Carini in the Olympic round of 16, saying, "It is unfair for a male athlete to compete." J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, after watching the match video between Khelif and Carini, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "This is not sport," and "Explain why it is acceptable for a man to hit a woman." Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, replied on X to a post by a female human rights activist and former swimmer saying, "Men should not interfere in women's sports," with "Of course."

However, Khelif overcame the criticism and ultimately won the gold medal. After defeating China's Yang Liu in the final, she said at a press conference, "I was born and have lived as a woman like other women," and "The criticism I received on social media was very unfair and even violated human dignity. Everyone should uphold the Olympic spirit and refrain from slandering others."

It is known that after the Olympics, she filed a complaint with the Paris Prosecutor's Office in France requesting an investigation into 'cyberbullying (online harassment).' Khelif's side stated, "This is to protect justice, dignity, and honor. The harassment suffered by the champion boxer is a major blemish on this Olympics," adding, "This also includes those who anonymously sent hateful messages to Khelif."