Professional boxer Imane Khelif, who walked away with a Gold medal in the women’s boxing 66kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has endured intense online scrutiny about her gender. The Olympic champion has since filed a criminal complaint with French authorities over alleged “acts of aggravated cyber harassment” against her.
The athlete’s victory at the international multi-sport event as well as her decision to file a lawsuit has inspired many to achieve their dreams and stand up for themselves. However, her latest project was not something many expected from her and has been met with differing opinions.
Yesterday (Thursday, 15th August), Imane Khelif posted a video of her collaboration with global brand Beauty Code. The video depicted the boxer air-punching the camera before it transitioned to the next scene of her in full hair and make-up done by the beauty brand, showcasing her more feminine side. The post has since circulated all over social media and garnered mixed reactions from fans.
Those on Instagram praised her for her new look while those on Twitter, although adoring her magnificence, felt like she didn’t need to conform to beauty standards. Many believed that the Algerian boxer felt pressured into looking more feminine after receiving so much backlash for the way she naturally is. Some defended her decision to try the feminine makeover saying that it was a direct response to the bigotry she faced about her gender.
As for Imane herself, she hasn’t responded to netizens’ comments. However, in the video’s caption, it was mentioned that her goal in doing the makeover was not to actually conform to beauty standards but to make a statement that a person is more than how they choose to present themselves. “She can be feminine and elegant when she wants, but in the boxing ring, she does not need makeup or high heels,” Beauty Code wrote.
Watch the makeover below and tell us what you think:
Sources: Instagram, Twitter (1)(2)
