JK Rowling condemns trans boxer ‘bullying’ Angela Carini at Olympics

The author shares her worries for women’s sports following the controversial boxing fight at Paris Olympics.

J.K. Rowling is among the high-profile names condemning the Olympics for allowing a transgender boxer to compete in the women’s boxing competition at the Paris 2024 games. 

Imane Khelif from Algeria was disqualified from last year’s Women’s World Championships after failing a gender eligibility test due to elevated levels of testosterone in her system.

The controversy reached a peak during Khelif’s match against Italy’s Angela Carini, which ended in just 46 seconds. Carini, visibly emotional, withdrew from the bout after taking several hard punches from Khelif. “It could have been the match of a lifetime, but I had to preserve my life in that moment,” Carini told the BBC.

The 25-year-old welterweight’s headgear became dislodged twice during the brief encounter, highlighting the force of Khelif's blows. “I am heartbroken,” Carini confessed. “I stepped into the ring to honour my father. I’ve always been called a warrior, but I had to prioritise my health. I’ve never been hit this hard before.” Carini elaborated on the severe pain she felt after the second punch, which struck her nose, making it impossible to continue. "I’m leaving with my head held high."

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

Support for Carini surged online, with the hashtag #IStandWithAngelaCarini trending. Many criticised the perceived unfairness of the fight, and Rowling was vocal in her disapproval.

Watch this (whole thread), then explain why you’re OK with a man beating a woman in public for your entertainment. This isn’t sport. From the bullying cheat in red all the way up to the organisers who allowed this to happen, this is men revelling in their power over women. https://t.co/u32FcDTy9p

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 1, 2024

Rowling further added, “A young female boxer has just had everything she’s worked and trained for snatched away because you allowed a male to get in the ring with her. You’re a disgrace, your ‘safeguarding’ is a joke and #Paris24 will be forever tarnished by the brutal injustice done to Carini.”

A young female boxer has just had everything she’s worked and trained for snatched away because you allowed a male to get in the ring with her. You’re a disgrace, your ‘safeguarding’ is a joke and #Paris24 will be forever tarnished by the brutal injustice done to Carini. https://t.co/JMKzVljpyr

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 1, 2024

Rowling also cited journalist Suzanne Moore, saying, “Someone with a DSD cannot help the way they were born but they can choose not to cheat; they can choose not to take medals from women; they can choose not to cause injury.”

‘Someone with a DSD cannot help the way they were born but they can choose not to cheat; they can choose not to take medals from women; they can choose not to cause injury.’ ✍️ @suzanne_moore https://t.co/p6Qdb4lXcx

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 1, 2024

Rowling’s comments come amidst her long-standing and controversial stance on transgender issues, which has sparked intense debate on freedom of speech and garnered both criticism and support from various sectors.