Harry Potter’s Author JK Rowling is facing fierce backlash for allegedly spreading hateful far-right lies about a Muslim woman of colour who is set to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The controversy sparked a firestorm on social media, with fans and critics alike protesting Rowling’s statements.
As the dispute escalates, her fans are demanding accountability and turning the discussion about Rowling’s world to broader issues of race and discrimination.
JK Rowling faces backlash over alleged claims about Olympic boxers in Paris
Real-life magician JK Rowling finds herself embroiled in controversy as fans accuse her of making polarizing claims about a black Muslim woman at the Paris Olympics.
Shared in a tweet by Sky News, 2024 Olympic boxer Imane Khelif spoke about the harsh criticism she has faced due to misconceptions about her gender. One X user retweeted the post and wrote:
We must never forget that at the start of the UK’s racial unrest in 2024, JK Rowling spent days spreading hateful far-right lies about this young Muslim woman of colour.
This accusation may seem crazy, but it is becoming increasingly popular on the Internet: fans are raising their fingers at JK Rowling for spreading hateful lies about boxer Khelif.
Let us never forget that at the start of the UK race riots in 2024, JK Rowling spent days spreading hateful far-right lies about this young Muslim woman of colour. https://t.co/ICEnVUOE4E
— Derec Thompson (@DerecThompson) 6 August 2024
Now, it must be noted that there is no solid evidence that Rowling had anything to do with the riots or the hate campaign against any particular sport.
However, this is not the first time something like this has happened to Rowling. It all started in 2020, when she first shared her thoughts on gender identity and trans rights. Her views on the transgender community were not appreciated at all, and many people, including fans and actors like Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, spoke out against her tweets (via Glamour).
Rowling has said she is not transphobic, but her stance has clearly alienated many of her fans. With this new controversy, it seems the relationship between the author and her fans is set to become even more estranged.
Fan backlash: Rowling’s tweets spark anger among trans activists and Harry Potter fans
The Harry Potter The author is under fire after expressing some controversial views on trans issues, with fans who once admired her as a mentor now voicing their frustration on social media.
Imane Khelif is an Olympic finalist and is fighting for the gold medal in women’s boxing.
Why do women’s sports even exist when any mediocre man can take part?pic.twitter.com/MO2t1lVVnP
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) 6 August 2024
F*ck you and f*ck JK Rowling
— Kobby (@HoeFromDaGhetto) 7 August 2024
She is a biological woman
— Franklin (@franklinisbored) 6 August 2024
She is a woman. Unlike you.
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) 6 August 2024
Good! She’s not a man. I see you continue to spread Russian disinformation. I hope she wins gold.
– The pissed off lawyer (@legaltweetz) 6 August 2024
She is a woman who was born with a vagina.
Debate about whether women with XY chromosomes or naturally elevated testosterone levels should be allowed to compete against women who do not have them.
But stop being such an ass and calling her a man all the damn time
– Gary Koepnick (@garykoepnick) 7 August 2024
Imane is a woman. End.
— ADHDlaterinlife (@ADHDLaterInLife) 6 August 2024
Do you have proof that she is male?
– Tatum_Szn (@TatumGotNext_) 7 August 2024
Rowling’s tweet about sex and gender identity sent shockwaves through the fandom, with many fans, particularly from the LGBTQ+ community, feeling betrayed by the woman who created a world where everyone belongs.
