Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has become a rather controversial figure in recent years, with her views on the transgender community proving particularly problematic for many of her (now former) fans. Ultimately, some agree with the concerns she's expressed about trans people identifying as female, while others have been quick to dismiss the writer as transphobic.
Rowling has frequently argued for the rights of biological women, including what she feels are the dangers of allowing someone who identifies as female to be allowed in a domestic abuse shelter or sex-segregated prison. The writer has also queried whether women are at risk of physical or sexual assault in locker rooms from some trans women.
While the Harry Potter creator has defenders and detractors in equal measure, she's not backing down from her strong opinions and addressed that on the podcast The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling (via Variety).
Explaining that she "never meant to upset anyone" with her comments, Rowling was also asked if she agrees with fans who believe she's "ruined" her legacy. To that, she argues those people "could not have misunderstood me more profoundly."
"I do not walk around my house, thinking about my legacy," she explains. "You know, what a pompous way to live your life walking around thinking, ‘What will my legacy be?’ Whatever, I’ll be dead. I care about now. I care about the living."
Rowling also noted, "I have had direct threats of violence, and I have had people coming to my house where my kids live, and I’ve had my address posted online. I’ve had what the police, anyway, would regard as credible threats."
The recent furore surrounding the release of Hogwarts Legacy has also highlighted the trans community's darker side. After some members of the community harassed and threatened Twitch streamers who have played the video game, many other trans people came forward to make it clear they don't view those who buy it as anti-trans and don't support the vocal extremists.
As for Rowling, it's clear she's not going to change her mind regardless of the threats or the impact her concerns are likely to have on her legacy. With that in mind, we expect her to remain a divisive figure whether you agree with her take or not.
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling will run for seven episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other audio platforms.