French Olympian Suspended Over Hate Speech Revelation

French 400-meter runner Muhammad Abdallah Kounta has been suspended by the French Athletics Federation after tweets containing hate speech were revealed. The suspension was confirmed by the Federation's president and has been referred to the disciplinary committee and public prosecutor. Kounta has since expressed remorse on social media.

French 400-meter runner Muhammad Abdallah Kounta, who competed in the Paris Olympics, has been suspended by the French Athletics Federation. The suspension follows revelations by an X account that unearthed hate speech posts made by Kounta, according to the sports minister.

The president of the Federation confirmed the suspension and the referral of the case to both the public prosecutor and the Federation's disciplinary committee. The tweets, highlighted by the X account Sword of Solomon, were posted between 2021 and 2024. In them, Kounta expressed hatred for Israel, among other things.

In response to the uproar, Kounta posted an apology on social media, in which he appeared wrapped in a French flag. He stated he does not support genocide, racism, or injustice and expressed his love for France. The Paris Olympics, noted for their success and national pride, have now seen this blemish against their shining reputation.

(With inputs from agencies.)