People are threatening to boycott an upcoming TV show due to J.K. Rowling‘s involvement.
Rowling, 58, is a British author known for the fantasy book series ‘Harry Potter,’ which has become a global media franchise.
In recent years, the writer has sparked controversy due to her vocal opinions on transgender people and related civil rights.
Rowling has been loudly criticized since making a series of posts in 2020.
The author retweeted an opinion piece on X (formerly Twitter) discussing ‘people who menstruate,’ which was a phrase the writer appeared to take issue with.
“‘People who menstruate,’” she responded. “I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?”
Later, she elaborated: “If s** isn’t real, there’s no same-s** attraction. If s** isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased.
“I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of s** removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.”
Rowling’s opinions have sparked a fierce backlash online, however, she refuses to backtrack on her words.
Many stars of the Harry Potter film franchise have openly opposed the author’s views.
Daniel Radcliffe released a statement in 2020 in which he said he was ‘deeply sorry’ that some ‘Harry Potter’ readers felt the books had become ‘tarnished or diminished.’
Radcliffe’s co-star Emma Watson tweeted: “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are.”
The actress followed this with: “I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you, and love you for who you are.”
Although Rowling has faced backlash from many Harry Potter fans, it’s been revealed she will be involved in the upcoming TV show based on the best-selling series.
Reacting to this news, one person wrote: “Let’s boycott Harry Potter and her works, even if you are a fan.”
Another added: “My fellow anti-Harry Potter activists: please, don’t even hate watch the new version when it comes out.”
“So what we’re NOT gonna do is interact with that new Harry Potter series in any way,” commented a third.
Someone else said: “I am frankly disgusted and will not be watching.”
Rowling sarcastically responded to the calls for a boycott of the Harry Potter TV show due to her involvement.
Taking to X, the author wrote: “Dreadful news, which I feel duty bound to share.
“Activists in my mentions are trying to organize yet another boycott of my work, this time of the Harry Potter TV show.
“As forewarned is forearmed, I’ve taken the precaution of laying in a large stock of champagne.”
The Harry Potter series, which has reportedly been in the works for several years, was officially announced by Warner Brothers in 2023.
Max and HBO Content Head Casey Bloys has assured fans that the show will be ‘a faithful adaption,’ with each season focusing on one book.
During a Q&A on the upcoming series, the head was questioned on how Rowling’s reputation could impact the show, to which he responded: “No, I don’t think this is the forum,” per IndieWire.
“That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated, and not something we’re going to get into.”
He continued: “Our priority is what’s on the screen.
“Obviously, the Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance. That’s our priority — what’s on screen.”
