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| - In August 2024, three photos were shared online purportedly showing Olympic boxing gold medalist Imane Khelif dressed in traditional Algerian outfits on three different front covers of Algeria Vogue magazine.
Two of the magazine cover images featured the caption: "The first Algerian, Arab, and African woman to win an Olympic boxing gold."
Some social media users shared the images seemingly believing the covers were authentic. One X post stated: "What an incredible and powerful photo of Imane Khelif."
(X user @InTheRingWithC1)
(X user @SylnaZhinka)
(Reddit)
However, the images were not real. Vogue does not have a brand in Algeria, nor did Khelif pose for such images. They appeared to have been generated using artificial intelligence (AI) software and could be traced to a digital creator on Instagram. As such, we rated this claim and the photos as "Fake."
Searching through the various magazine brands of Vogue's parent company, Condé Nast, revealed that Vogue Algeria does not exist. The company does have a Vogue Arabia magazine, which is distributed in several Middle Eastern countries, and has an Arabic and English-language website.
Google's reverse-image search tool showed no evidence of a credible media outlet publishing such images, nor that Khelif herself ever posed for them. The images were also not published on her verified Instagram account.
Two of the images were credited to "Cheikh Boumsersseb," and all three appeared on an Instagram account under that name. The account's profile described its owner as a "Visual/Art Director" and referred to Khelif as a "Queen."
Although the first two photos resembled Khelif, the last of the three looked nothing like her.
True Media's AI-detection generator found substantial evidence the posts were AI-generated or manipulated.
Boumsersseb sent us the following statement about the images:
I would like to share my latest collage artwork, which features Imane Khelif adorned in a traditional Algerian attire called CHEDDA from Tlemcen, reflecting the colors of the Algerian flag—green, white, and red. This attire is recognized as part of Algeria's cultural heritage by UNESCO. The artwork envisions Imane on the cover of Vogue magazine, symbolizing her legendary status and unbreakable spirit. She is not only a pride of Algeria and the Arab world but also a beacon of hope for the entire globe.
To clarify, the artwork featuring Imane Khelif is a product of my imagination and is not intended to mislead anyone. As Picasso famously said, "Everything you can imagine is real." This piece is crafted to celebrate Imane's exceptional talent and cultural significance, reflecting my artistic vision.
For the creation of this artwork, I utilized a combination of advanced AI applications and Photoshop for face swapping, followed by Procreate for the finishing touches. This blend of tools allows me to craft vibrant and imaginative pieces that reflect my artistic vision.
Khelif was at the center of a controversy at the 2024 Paris Olympics when numerous anti-trans activists and prominent figures, including author J.K. Rowling, falsely accused her of being transgender or male.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) defended her inclusion in the women's boxing, saying she met the eligibility requirements for competing in Paris. Khelif ended up winning gold in the 66 kg. category.
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