J.K. Rowling has fired back at actor and writer Stephen Fry after he publicly suggested the Harry Potter author may have been “radicalised by TERFs” (trans-exclusionary radical feminists), calling her a “lost cause” on the topic of trans rights.
Fry, known for his literary and LGBTQ+ advocacy work, made the remarks during an episode of The Show People podcast last week. “I disagree profoundly with her on [trans issues],” he said. “I am angry she does not disavow some of the more revolting and truly horrible, violently destructive things that people say. She does not attack those at all.”
In response, Rowling took to X, quoting a post by Good Law Project director Jo Maugham, who had endorsed Fry’s comments. “It is a great mistake to assume that everyone who claims to have been a friend of mine was ever considered a friend by me,” Rowling wrote, distancing herself from Fry personally.
Fry, who was recently knighted in the UK’s New Year Honours list, has previously drawn criticism for not speaking out more strongly against Rowling’s controversial views, despite acknowledging that many of his transgender friends have been hurt by her statements.
Rowling has remained firm in her stance, criticising former Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson for supporting the trans community, saying they have “cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights” and are “not safe” from her condemnation.
The ongoing rift underscores the growing divide between Rowling and former allies in the literary and entertainment worlds, as the debate over trans rights continues to spark widespread controversy in the UK and beyond.
