Imane Khelif silences critics with stunning makeup transformation amid Olympics gender controversy

Social media trolls continue to cling to their views on gender, despite Khelif’s video displaying her feminine side.

After overcoming hate to win a boxing gold medal in Paris, Algeria's Imane Khelif continues to counter those who question her gender. 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Beauty code (@beauty.code.officiel)

Her latest stunning response was an Instagram video showcasing a dramatically different look, leaving her critics speechless.

The post, co-authored by Beauty Code, is titled "Beauty makeover for our champion,"  in French. In the 10-second clip, Khelif transforms from her typically masculine boxing image to reveal a fully feminine side, emphasizing the fluidity of gender expression in her appearance.

Khelif faced discrimination following her 66 kg match against Italy's Angela Carini in the Olympic Round of 16. After enduring several powerful hits, Carini voluntarily withdrew from the fight, claiming it was unfair and citing Khelif's failed gender eligibility test at last year's World Championships.

Despite being assigned female at birth and having the full support of the International Olympic Committee, Khelif was subjected to relentless harassment, fueled by misinformation and prejudice. The situation escalated when public figures like Donald Trump, JK Rowling, and Elon Musk exacerbated the controversy, leading Khelif to file lawsuits against them.

The hatred has not subsided. Social media trolls continue to cling to their narrow views on gender, despite Khelif’s powerful video displaying her more feminine side.

In her Instagram post, Khelif defiantly stated, translated from Arabic: "Appearance does not reveal a person's essence. She can be feminine and elegant when she wants, but on the ring, she doesn't need decorations or high heels. You just need strategy, strength, and punching, which is the essence of her personality."

She further added, "Not all tracks are a place for true, passionate athletes like Iman Khalif. The Italian woman has shown us that even those who cry in schoolyards, those who invent lies to steal other people's food, may find themselves in the ring."