Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif has launched a fierce defence against criticism from Donald Trump and other political figures, condemning them for making statements "without basis" about her gender.
Speaking on Italian television programme Lo Stato delle Cose, the Algerian gold medallist addressed the growing controversy surrounding her Paris Olympics victory.
The response comes a fortnight after Trump cited Khelif in a pre-election campaign video, repeatedly referring to her as male.
"I have seen that there are many politicians and presidents who speak without a source and it is something strange, because they make statements without a basis, without reality," Khelif told the programme.
The Olympic champion also revealed she is taking legal action over unverified leaked medical documents alleging she is genetically male.
Trump has repeatedly referred to Khelif as a man during recent interviews, whilst Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly backed Angela Carini after her Olympic bout with Khelif.
The controversial match ended in just 46 seconds, becoming a global talking point after Carini abandoned the fight after just a few punches.
Imane Khelif was too strong for Angela Carini in their Olympics clash
REUTERSAddressing Meloni's comments specifically, Khelif said: "I didn't know the statements of President Meloni, but I saw that many politicians and presidents speak without any real source."
The Paris gold medallist maintains she is female, with her father producing a birth certificate confirming she was born a woman.
"My parents have seen many fake images," Khelif added. "The war against me through social media has had a negative impact."
Despite the intense controversy, Khelif struck a diplomatic tone regarding her Italian opponent Angela Carini.
"I have nothing against Angela Carini," she explained. "She is a boxer, a young girl."
Khelif insisted that Carini "is and will remain a friend."
She went further to defend her opponent, suggesting external pressures may have influenced Carini's response to the bout.
Donald Trump has branded Imane Khelif a man previously
Reuters"I have nothing against the people who put pressure on her to behave that way, I don't think she behaved that way of her own free will," Khelif said.
The controversy extends beyond recent political statements, with Khelif being one of two boxers previously banned from the 2023 amateur World Championships.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) had disqualified both Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting after what they claimed were failed gender eligibility tests.
The IBA had concluded that Khelif's DNA was "that of a male, consisting of XY chromosomes."
However, both athletes were permitted to compete at the Olympics after the IOC took control of boxing regulations due to past corruption within the IBA.
The IOC has remained neutral on the current situation, stating: "We will not comment while legal action is ongoing, or on media reports about unverified documents whose origin cannot be confirmed."
Khelif is currently pursuing legal action against individuals who commented on her situation during the Paris Games.
Imane Khelif has launched legal action
REUTERS