IOC’s Kirsty Burrows files complaint after defending boxer Imane Khelif
Kirsty Burrows, head of the IOC’s Safe Sport Unit, filed a complaint of cyber-bullying on Sunday 4 August. The British executive claimed to have received “hate messages following a press conference she gave in defence of Imane Khelif, the target of a wave of transphobic hatred on the internet,” the prosecutor’s office said.
A police source told AFP that the National Centre for Combating Online Hate (PNLH) of the Paris prosecutor’s office asked the Brigade for Combating Crimes against the Person (BRDP) on Monday 5 August to investigate the crimes of threatening death, public provocation to commit crimes against persons and cyber-bullying.
According to the police source, in her complaint Burrows denounced “a number of messages containing threats and insults” which she had received “via the social networking sites X and Facebook”. Those responsible for the posts could face up to five years in prison and a fine of €45,000.
Kirsty Burrows, Head of the Safe Sport Unit at the IOC speaks about #Paris2024 offering the most comprehensive package of mental health and safeguarding initiatives than any other Olympic or sporting event in history. pic.twitter.com/O4jAayb47d
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) August 1, 2024
On 1 August, at an IOC press conference, Burrows explained his role as head of the IOC’s Safe Sport Unit, noting that “the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will offer the most comprehensive package of mental health and safety initiatives of any Olympic or sporting event in history”.
This statement, reproduced on X by the IOC’s information account, has provoked much criticism. Critics argue that by allowing Khelif to compete, now in the final of the women’s -66kg boxing tournament, the IOC failed to protect the health of her first-round opponent, Italy’s Angela Carini, who retired just seconds into the fight. For the IOC, there is no doubt about Khelif’s eligibility.
Kirsty Burrows, Head of the Safe Sport Unit at the IOC describes the Athletes365 Mind Zone and why it is popular with the athletes, with over 800 already visiting and many saying it is one their favourite places to go. pic.twitter.com/B6GMLQtp8p
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) August 1, 2024
Author JK Rowling reacted vehemently to Burrows’ comments, asking “Why is it OK for a man to beat a woman in public for his entertainment?” and accusing the IOC of a “brutal injustice” to Carini.
Although Burrows’ comments were unrelated to the boxing match, Rowling declared: “You have just taken away everything a young boxer has worked and trained for because you allowed a man to get in the ring with her. You are a disgrace, your ‘protection’ is a joke and Paris 24 will forever be tainted by the brutal injustice done to Carini.