Elon Musk weighs in on Olympic boxing controversy over female fighter who failed gender test
Imane Khelif scored a dominant victory over Angela Carini in boxing at the Olympics, sparking a controversial debate on social media that Elon Musk joined in on.
Elon Musk issued a one-word response to the news that an Algerian female boxer, believed to have male chromosomes, won a fight at the Paris Olympics, sparking controversy. On Thursday, Imane Khelif defeated Italy’s Angela Carini in the 66-kilogram weight class, leading to a divisive conversation on social media that Musk took part in.
The fight between Khelif and Carini lasted just 46 seconds before Carini turned to his trainers to call off the bout. At the Arena du Nord in Paris, a first punch from Khelif dislodged Carini’s chin strap and a second blow to his jaw left his pants stained with blood.
The Italian returned to her corner and raised her hand before falling to her knees. A tearful Carini refused to shake Khelif’s hand after the Algerian was declared the winner.
Carini’s trainer, Emanuele Renzini, admitted that pulling out was not in the cards before the fight. He questioned the fairness of the contest, saying: “It would have been easier not to show up, because all of Italy had been asking her not to fight for days. But Angela was motivated and wanted to do it.
“Of course, when she met her opponent at the draw, she said ‘It’s not fair. ’ But there was no premeditation here today. She retired after taking a punch; she told me she didn’t feel she could fight.”
The conversation has dominated social media throughout the day. University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines posted on X: “Men don’t belong in women’s sports #IStandWithAngelaCarini Let’s get this trending” – alongside a fire emoji.
Musk responded to the post, sharing his thoughts on the matter. He replied: “Absolutely.”
Khelif has faced immense controversy related to a failed gender eligibility test in 2023. She was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships, which are sanctioned by the International Boxing Association.
