French Olympian Muhammad Abdallah Kounta Suspended for Hate Speech
French 400-meter runner Muhammad Abdallah Kounta has been suspended for hate speech posted online. The French Athletics Federation took action after offensive tweets from 2021 to 2024 were revealed. Kounta apologized publicly, expressing regret for his past remarks.
French 400-meter runner Muhammad Abdallah Kounta, a participant in the Paris Olympics, has been suspended by the French Athletics Federation after an X account revealed past hate speech posted by the athlete.
The Federation's president confirmed the suspension, referring the matter to both the public prosecutor and the Federation's disciplinary committee, said Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera on X.
The account, Sword of Solomon, highlighted tweets from Kounta between 2021 and 2024 expressing hatred for Israel.
Kounta later apologized on social media, stating he is against genocide, racism, and injustice, and reaffirmed his patriotism.