JK Rowling faces backlash after saying 'There are no trans children'

JK Rowling has faced backlash for his controversial stances on transgender issues, including recent claims that "there are no trans children".

For her remarks, the author found herself at the center of another social media firestorm months after she was criticized for her remarks about boxer Imana Khelifa.

Despite JK Rowling's objections, HBO has defended her role in the upcoming "Harry Potter" series, saying her creative input is invaluable.

Article continues below ad

JK Rowling says trans kids don't exist

JK Rowling at the UK premiere of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
MEGA

Rowling has faced backlash in recent years for her outspoken views on gender and women's rights, and now the "Harry Potter" author has reignited controversy with her recent remarks, claiming "there are no trans children" and rejecting the idea that individuals can be born into the wrong world. to the body.

In a post on X, Rowling responded to a critic who accused her of a "hateful focus on trans children," writing, "There are no trans children. No child is 'born in the wrong body'."

She doubled down, "There are only adults like you, willing to sacrifice the health of minors to bolster your belief in an ideology that will ultimately do more harm than a lobotomy and false memory syndrome combined."

Article continues below ad

The author's remarks sparked a fierce debate on the Internet

Rowling's statement sparked a wave of reactions from across X (formerly Twitter).

Supporters thanked the author for standing up for what they see as the welfare of children, with one user writing: "Thank you for being a strong voice for protecting children."

Another commented: "Thank you for using your voice and popularity to bring light to the truth and save children from life-changing mistakes."

However, not everyone agreed with Rowling's statement, as several took to the social media platform to criticize her stance.

One critic sarcastically questioned her authority on the subject, commenting, "You're also a medical expert. I didn't know that. This thing that everyone's famous for anything feels the need to act like an expert on something else... crazy !"

Article continues below ad

Another person noted: "I didn't realize my partner didn't exist! I guess she was never a trans kid like she is, seriously. How about the many people who transitioned younger and are now living happily ever after?"

Another person said: "I remember hearing Margaret Thatcher say exactly that in the late 80's about gays and lesbians. What a way to use your voice and platform. Have you ever considered that you actually care about women ?You agreed with some of the worst misogynists instead.

Article continues below ad

JK Rowling's criticism of transgender people has intensified over the years

JK Rowling
MEGA

Earlier this year, Rowling said that former colleagues who had publicly distanced themselves from her over her views on transgender issues reached out privately to "make sure they were still friends."

The author has been vocal about her opposition to terms like "people who menstruate," describing such phrases and words like "cis" as rooted in ideology.

Despite her controversial stance, Rowling has previously claimed to support the transgender community. According to Daily MailIn June 2020, she revealed that she "loves trans people", but noted that "erasing the concept of sex removes the ability for many to meaningfully discuss their lives".

Since then, however, Rowling has become increasingly critical of trans people and gender-affirming surgeries.

Article continues below ad

In August this year, she sparked outrage online after commenting on Algerian boxer Imane Khelifa, who competed in the women's 66kg (welterweight) boxing event at the 2024 Olympics and won a gold medal.

Rowling caught fire after she called the boxer, who had previously been disqualified from another competition for failing to meet gender norms, "a man who knows he is protected by the misogynist sports establishment".

Khelife has since filed a lawsuit with French authorities, naming Rowling and Elon Musk for their alleged "acts of serious cyber harassment."

HBO defends author amid backlash over trans views and upcoming Harry Potter series

JK Rowling
MEGA

Last month, HBO stood by Rowling after she faced intense criticism for her views on transgender issues.

The network has received many complaints about Rowling's role as executive producer of the upcoming "Harry Potter" TV series.

In a statement for Diversitynetwork responded: "We are proud to once again tell the story of 'Harry Potter' – the heartwarming books about the power of friendship, determination and acceptance. JK Rowling has the right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her participation."

Despite HBO's defense, the project has drawn mixed reactions. Some fans criticized the adaptation as "unnecessary", while others threatened to boycott the series due to Rowling's controversial remark.

Article continues below ad

JK Rowling's backing from major studios could mean a shift in 'Culture Cancel'

apos Fantastic Beasts The Crimes of Grindelwald apos UK Film Premiere
MEGA

In an interview with NewsweekEvan Nierman, CEO of PR firm Red Banyan, discussed the value of Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of HBO, which supports Rowling.

He noted: "By publicly supporting JK Rowling, Warner Bros. is investing in a colossally creative and successful author, as opposed to taking a public stance on the controversial topic of transgender people."

Meanwhile, cultural analyst and writer Areej Shaikh suggested that while Rowling's endorsement by Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) may reflect a shift in how companies approach cancellation culture, it doesn't mean a victory for Rowling in the broader cultural debate.

"This decision indicates a shift towards public approval of controversial figures when valuing their creative influence, but it does not necessarily mean that Rowling has 'won' the culture war," she said.

Shaikh also noted that the studio "seems to be putting the cultural and financial history of the 'Harry Potter' franchise ahead of the divisive controversy" plaguing Rowling.

"This strategy means that instead of adopting clear positions, companies can now manage a culture of cancellation with a greater emphasis on balancing public opinion and creative input," the analyst concluded.



Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *