As we mentioned last night, Imane Khelif has named both J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk in a criminal complaint filed with French authorities over “acts of aggravated cyber harassment.” The complaint, filed by the Paris-based attorney of Algerian boxer and Olympic champion Imane Khelif, accuses the two high-profile figures of engaging in online harassment and public insults based on gender.
The Paris Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that an investigation has been launched. Most people seem to be focused on the possibility that Musk and Rowling could be fined into oblivion, but they are billionaires. Whatever fines are imposed won’t be enough. But what about prison? That would be meaningful, and the allegations filed against Rowling and Musk could result in prison time, as unlikely as that sounds.
Under French law, aggravated cyber harassment requires repetitive acts, intent to harm, use of electronic means, and significant impact on the victim. The alleged actions of Rowling and Musk — accusations that Khelif is a man and inflammatory comments about her participation in women’s sports — could potentially meet these criteria, particularly given the global reach of their statements and the obvious trauma reported by Khelif. If the investigation confirms that the actions of Musk and Rowling were repetitive and intended to harm, they could face prosecution.
Aggravated cyber harassment in France carries stiff fines for the average person — not so much to Musk and Rowling — but the consequences can also include up to three years of imprisonment. Granted, it’d be complicated because neither is based in France, but French authorities could seek assistance from their counterparts in the UK and the United States.
Of course, it’s unlikely that either Musk or Rowling would be extradited to France to face prison. But the case could set significant legal precedent, and being branded a felon probably wouldn’t be great for their reputations, either. It certainly explains why Rowling has been silent on this issue over the last few days.
