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The recent battle of words between JK Rowling and Joanne Harris has pivoted the spotlight on theHarry Potterauthor once again as she lands in a new controversy. This time, however, the spat began on a relatively mellow scale which then quickly escalated to a back-and-forth between the pair over gender-identity issues — a subject for which JK Rowling has frequently landed in hot water over the years.
Related article:5 Controversies Around JK Rowling That Will Shock You!
JK Rowling Muddies the Waters with Gender-Identity Issue
The author of one of the most successful, beloved, and famous fantasy novels,JK Rowlingis a self-made woman who overcame her personal demons and a tragic beginning to win the heart of millions. However, what began as a refuge for children and an inspiration for women all around the globe soon became a cautionary tale. With the power to inspire and claim the attention of so many, every word coming from the person is weighted with the massive burden of accountability.
Also read:“Truly there is no god here”:Harry PotterFans Call J.K. Rowling Simps Cockroaches After WB Studios Stands By Author
Rowling landed in quicksand after making a controversial claim about transgender people that led to numerous actors, authors, and people denouncing her belief. She vehemently opposed the usage of the phrase“people who menstruate”which led to the Twitter mob calling for her cancellation after dubbing her transphobic. In the most recent controversy, Rowling again calls back to gender-identity issues to address her affront against the chair of the U.K. Society of Authors and fellow author, Joanne Harris.
Also read:Real-Life Quidditch Leagues Change Their Names to Quadball To Distance Themselves From J.K. Rowling After Transphobic Comments
JK Rowling Sparks Controversial Debate With Joanne Harris
The English-French author, Joanne Michele Sylvie Harris, is known to most as the writer of the 1999 novelChocolatwhich was later adapted into a 2000 movie of the same name featuringJohnny Deppand Juliette Binoche. Besides her relatively low fame and global recognition, the author stands firm in her own field of expertise as the head of the U.K. Society of Authors.
Related article:“She wants it bad”: Andrew Tate Gets Personal, Destroys JK Rowling for Bizarre Donald Trump Obsession, Calls Her Husband a Loser
In the aftermath of the attack onSalman Rushdieat the Chautauqua University, JK Rowling expressed her sympathy and concern for Rushdie andThe Satanic Versesbut her tweet was met with similar threats of rape and death. Harris extended her support to Rowling and“and to everyone in a similar position.”However, Harris’s response was attacked by Rowling as she stated inThe Times,
“Ireceived no communication whatsoever from Harris expressing sympathy for the death and rape threats I’ve received.
Harris has consistently failed to criticize tactics designed to silence and intimidate women who disagree with her personal position on gender identity ideology and has said publicly, ‘Cancel isn’t a dirty word. We habitually cancel things we no longer want.'”
Also read:“We stand with her”: WB Studios Show Support ForHarry PotterAuthor J.K. Rowling As She Gets Death Threats After Salman Rushdie Attacks
Joanne Harris Responds to Rowling’s Accusations
In response to the claims made by JK Rowling, Joanne Harris replied,
“I’ve always said loud and clear that I condemn threats of any kind, to anyone. That goes for people whose views I disagree with as well as those whose views I share. Free speech is for everyone, and when one person loses it, we’re all at risk.
Yes, I support trans rights. I also have a son who came out as trans a few months ago. But my personal feelings about the gender-critical movement don’t affect my belief in free speech, or what I do for the @Soc_of_Authors”
Salman Rushdie is currently recovering from multiple stab wounds in a hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Source:Variety
Diya Majumdar
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2408
Diya Majumdar is a Senior Content Writer at FandomWire with over 2000 published articles on the website. Since 2022, she has been working as an entertainment journalist with a special focus on films and pop culture.Among the countless genres and themes of Hollywood, the ones that particularly favor Diya’s tastes include Game of Thrones, DC, and well-aged thrillers and classics.
