J. K. Rowling‘s views on trans people have attracted quite some negative attention over the past few years. The author has been called out for being transphobic for her views on trans athletes. Of recent, she got into an argument with John Oliver who has been a supporter of trans athletes.
As of now, Rowling’s book series ‘Harry Potter‘ is looking forward to a new adaptation with Warner Bros., and the production house is defending Rowling’s views on trans people. Here’s the full story.
What Are J.K. Rowling’s Views On Trans Athletes?
Recently, J.K. Rowling talked about how trans athletes should not be allowed to participate in sports with the same gender. “According to the UN, female athletes have lost nearly 900 medals to trans-identified men competing against them in women’s sporting categories. Girls have been ousted from teams to make way for boys. Women have suffered serious injury playing against trans-identified men (see Payton McNabb, mentioned below),” she wrote in a social media post.
Nothing about this feels good, because John Oliver generously gave his time for my charity Lumos and I liked him very much when I met him, but God knows, if you ever need an example of motivated reasoning and confirmation bias, this video's for you. An undoubtedly intelligent… https://t.co/3IS4onzXq0
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 17, 2024
“If you want to tell the world you’re happy to watch females suffer injury, humiliation and the loss of sporting opportunities to bolster an elitist post-modern ideology embraced by a minute fraction of the world’s population, fair enough; you’re allowed your opinion. But if you’ve just told girls they don’t deserve fair sport, maybe rethink using all too real and common sexual predation against young women as a punchline for your ‘edgy’ closing joke,” she added.
Related: ‘Harry Potter’: The Mysteries Of Hogwarts Founders That Shaped The Wizarding World
This was in response to John Oliver’s statement about how there’s no proof that trans athletes hold an advantage in comparison to other players in the team, and how it poses no threat to fairness and safety.
Surprisingly, Rowling’s statement earned support from many on X. What however came as even more of a surprise is Warner Bros defending Rowling amidst the release of the latest ‘Harry Potter’ adaptation.
Warner Bros. Defends J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Tirade
J.K. Rowling was “very, very involved in the process selecting the writer and the director,” HBO executive Casey Bloys told reporters during a press conference on November 12. He further added that her anti-trans remarks “haven’t affected the casting or hiring of writers or productions staff” for the program.
Related: Mark Rylance In Talks To Play Dumbledore In HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ Series
As for Warner Bros, they noted, “We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance.”
The house further added, “JK Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
