By The Daily Wire (World News) | Created at 2024-11-21 20:20:08 | Updated at 2024-11-22 07:33:33
17 hours ago
As the debate between trans activists and more mainstream Americans rages on, HBO reps have released a statement on the network’s decision to keep “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling involved in upcoming projects despite her being labeled a TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) by the Left.
The British-born author holds mostly liberal views but draws the line at affirming trans-identifying men as women, a position that has inspired a heap of backlash and boycotts over the past several years. Still, Rowling has stood firm and repeatedly reiterated her stance.
Leftist “Harry Potter” fans and several stars from the film franchise have denounced Rowling for her beliefs. However, HBO issued a statement to Variety calling her contribution to the network, which spans more than 20 years, “invaluable” and reinforced its commitment to collaborate with her as it moves forward to adapt Rowling’s book series into a TV show.
“We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance,” the statement said. “J.K. 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.”
HBO chief Casey Bloys had a similar take during a press event on November 12, Variety noted, saying that Rowling was “very, very involved in the process selecting the writer and the director” and that her stance on transgender issues “haven’t affected the casting or hiring of writers or productions staff” for the “Harry Potter” series, which is slated to be released on HBO in 2026.
The campaign to denounce Rowling began in 2020 when the author tweeted, “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.”
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She’s been outspoken about her beliefs ever since, frequently posting about the topic, including the controversy over trans-identifying men competing in women’s sports.
Rowling recently reacted to late-night host John Oliver’s remarks on the topic, writing in an X post, “With a straight face, the ‘believe the science’ guys will say ‘actually, we don’t yet have enough data to say whether men and boys are stronger and faster than women and girls’. The ‘be kind’ crew can’t see what the issue is. ‘Why are you bothered, it only affects a tiny minority of females?’”
She added, “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.”
