Martina Navratilova blasted by fans after falling for fake picture of Imane Khelif
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Martina Navratilova has been criticised by fans online after falling for a fake picture of boxing star Imane Khelif.
Khelif won gold at the Paris Olympics back in the summer, with the Algerian experiencing a huge backlash - despite taking part at the Olympics in Tokyo three years previously.
A 'leaked' medical report recently claimed Khelif is a 'biological male'. There is nothing to substantiate these claims, however.
Navratilova took to social media earlier this week and shared what she thought was an image of Khelif standing shirtless.
Martina Navratilova has been criticised by fans online after falling for a fake picture of boxing star Imane Khelif
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"What we have been saying for months," she said.
"And for calling his person a man or at least a male, we got called all kinds of names and most of all the women this male took medals and wins from. Just awful."
However, the image of Khelif has been digitally enhanced and isn't accurate.
Readers added context on the initial tweet, saying: "This is a digitally generated image. It is not necessary to use fake images to make a point about protecting women’s sports."
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And readers then added context to Navratilova's own comment, saying: "This photo is fake."
Tennis fans have now criticised the tennis star for airing her thoughts without doing her research first.
"Martina, it’s not a real photo. What a time to lose my idols. Bye," were the words of one user.
A second wrote: "It's a fake, Ai-generated image, Martina."
Another said: "You are better than that, this is obviously fake."
A fourth stated: "This is a photoshopped photo, Martina. I know you have strong feelings about this, but please don’t fall for and spread this garbage."
A fifth said: "That is not a real photo. Why do you keep hurting her."
And a sixth weighed in by saying: "Martina I love you to bits but the photo looks a fake..."
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What we have been saying for months. And for calling his person a man or at least a male, we got called all kinds of names and most of all the women this male took medals and wins from. Just awful https://t.co/iLwox36TXs
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) November 4, 2024
Since the 'leaked' report alleged that Khelif was a 'biological male', the boxing star has received plenty of sympathy.
The Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) has hit out at the 'ongoing and baseless attacks' on the 25-year-old.
They said in a statement to DW: “These attacks, often based on unsubstantiated allegations, aim to tarnish the image of an athlete who has brought honor to our nation on the international stage.
“We firmly condemn these attempts at destabilisation, which have no place in the world of sports.
Boxing news: Imane Khelif won gold at the Paris Olympics back in the summer
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"These claims, which have persisted for several months, are entirely unfounded and contradict the values and principles of the Olympic movement."
Reports say Khelif is preparing a lawsuit in the wake of the allegations.
The boxing star recently announced she would be turning pro, just months after making history at the Olympics by becoming the first Algerian to claim gold.
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