JK Rowling Resumes Criticism of Transgender People

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has once again sparked controversy on social media by posting a new critique of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif. The post, made on August 23, marked the writer’s return to X (formerly Twitter) after a hiatus since August 7. In the new post, Rowling shared an article that questions Khelif’s femininity, fueling a controversy that began during the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Imane Khelif, a gold medalist who was the target of allegations that she failed a gender test, has been defended by the International Olympic Committee, which reaffirmed her eligibility to compete in the games. Khelif has also filed a formal complaint for online harassment, which named Rowling as one of the suspects.

“It’s important to highlight that launching a PR campaign and applying layers of thick makeup requires far more time and effort than simply making DNA test results public.” — ✍️@SwipeWrighthttps://t.co/mRECJgNX3X

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 23, 2024

Rowling’s post references an alleged “PR campaign” by Khelif to “hyperfeminize” her image, which has drawn criticism for perpetuating a discriminatory narrative. Khelif’s situation has become a central topic in debates about online harassment and transphobia, especially after the athlete was disqualified from a previous tournament due to unproven allegations.

The case continues to resonate as Khelif seeks justice through legal action against those responsible for what her lawyer called a “digital lynching.” Rowling, who has previously been criticized for her views on gender issues, is once again in the spotlight over the impact of her public statements.

By Ezatamentchy