JK Rowling, 59, breaks silence on Imane Khelif ‘biological male’ report following online row with Olympic boxer: ‘A win for women!’
JK Rowling has spoken out after medical documents showing boxer Imane Khelif has a “male karyotype” were leaked by journalist Alan Abrahamson on the 3 Wire Sports website.
The report, published just 36 hours after World Boxing ordered Khelif to undergo sex screening to remain eligible for the female category, has reignited controversy surrounding the Algerian athlete’s inclusion in female categories of the sport.
Khelif was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships after failing gender eligibility tests with the IBA (International Boxing Association) claiming she had XY chromosomes, typically associated with male biology.
Despite this, the IOC (International Olympic Committee) later cleared her to compete at the Paris Olympics, where she won gold in the 66kg category, citing her female passport and self-identification as female.
World Boxing has now banned Khelif from competing in female events, including the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup, until she undergoes further genetic testing under their rules.
Their decision directly challenges statements made by IOC spokesman Mark Adams, who previously described the 2023 tests as “not legitimate” and “ad hoc,” dismissing their validity entirely.
World Boxing announced on Friday that it will introduce mandatory sex testing for all boxers competing in its events.
Under the new policy, all athletes over the age of 18 will be required to undergo a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) genetic test, which can be carried out using a nasal or mouth swab, saliva, or blood sample.
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Rowling is one public figure to have weighed in on the debate, clashing on X with an account that criticised World Boxing’s decision to implement the testing.
The author is no stranger to criticizing Khelif’s involvement in women’s sport and has been a vocal supporter of biological women’s rights for years.
Rowling reacted to one X account that shared the news of the report and said: “Do all the TERFs and JK Rowlings of the world not realise how awful this new policy is for women? In order to compete in World Boxing events, ALL women must undergo invasive physical examinations (not just Olympic boxer Imane Khelif). How exactly is this a win for women?”
The Harry Potter author quickly hit out at the comment, penning: “It’s a win for women because they won’t be battered to death in the ring by men.
“If you had any idea what physical tests women go through routinely in their lives, you’d know a cheek swab is no bigger deal than flossing your teeth. Any more moronic questions, wing them over.”
Rowling’s remarks follow her being named, alongside figures like Elon Musk, in a criminal complaint filed by Khelif in August last year, alleging cyberbullying.
Khelif’s Paris-based lawyer, Nabil Boudi, confirmed that the pair were cited in the body of the complaint, which was submitted to the Paris Prosecutor’s Office’s anti-online hatred division.
“JK Rowling and Elon Musk are named in the lawsuit, among others,” he said, adding that US President Donald Trump would be part of the investigation.
“Trump tweeted, so whether or not he is named in our lawsuit, he will inevitably be looked into as part of the prosecution.”