HBO defends JK Rowling after trolls demand her removal from ‘Harry Potter’ series over transgender views (2024)

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: JK Rowling was backed by HBO after Gen Z ‘Harry Potter’ fans riled up against the author on her controversial views on gender.

As a few gender activists called for Rowling’s removal from the upcoming television series based on her fictional wizard Harry Potter, the American network defended her right to stay in the project, according to Daily Mail.

The 59-year-old author will be serving as an executive producer on the upcoming 'Harry Potter' TV series, expected to premiere in 2026.

HBO defends JK Rowling for her involvement in the Harry Potter TV series

As the woke users called for JK Rowling’s removal from the project, HBO shared a statement with Variety, defending her involvement.

“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,” shared HBO in their statement.

They added while defending Rowling’s views, “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.”

Rowling, who was once dubbed as one of the most loved authors of the generation, courted controversies in recent years over her unpopular views on gender.

Rowling received flak from even the primary cast members of the ‘Harry Potter’ film series over her comments on transgender community. Rowling infamously declared in 2020 that she believed women were defined by their biological sex and not their gender identity.

Nevertheless, she has strongly denied the accusations of her being transphobic.

As the discontent surrounding ‘The Cuckoo’s Calling’ author grew, Casey Bloys, the CEO of HBO, revealed that her statements “haven't affected the casting or hiring of writers or productions staff” for the show.

He further gushed that Rowling was “very, very involved in the process selecting the writer and the director.”

Another spokesperson for Warner Bros, the parent company of HBO, further added, “We've been working with JK Rowling and in the Harry Potter business for over 20 years” and “her contribution has been invaluable.”

What did JK Rowling say?

JK Rowling initially received backlash for her cryptic comment during the height of the pandemic in 2020.

The author noted, “‘People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?,” before adding, “Opinion: Creating a more equal post-Covid-19 world for people who menstruate.”

As the tweet went viral on social media, she continued to post a series of tweets to further explain her stance.

“If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth,” Rowling wrote.

She added, “The idea that women like me, who’ve been empathetic to trans people for decades, feeling kinship because they’re vulnerable in the same way as women—i.e., to male violence—‘hate’ trans people because they think sex is real and has lived consequences—is a nonsense.”

“I respect every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them. I’d march with you if you were discriminated against on the basis of being trans. At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it’s hateful to say so,” noted the author.

Internet displeased with JK Rowling's involvement

As the project was announced, several social media users voiced their displeasure over JK Rowling's involvement.

One of the netizens said, "It’s very disappointing how the world has just turned its back on trans people."

Someone else added, "I can speak for everyone when I say that we will NOT be watching 🙏."

"Considering all of the main actors from the movies absolutely despise her, this reboot is gonna flop massively," noted someone else.

Another netizen chimed in, "Supporting Rowling can alienate many Harry Potter fans."

"It's enough to make me reconsider canceling MAX," said another displeased fan.

Nevertheless, another user welcomed the move, saying, "The woke era seems over it’s refreshing to see institutions embracing reason again."

Someone else added, "Good on HBO for standing up for her and her right to speak reality to the deluded."

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