J.K. Rowling, the formidable figure behind the success of the Harry Potter franchise, has faced substantial criticism for her views on the transgender community. The Harry Potter series has earned her a devoted fan base and significant financial success, further amplified by the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
However, over the last few years, Rowling has been embroiled in controversy due to her outspoken comments regarding transgender issues, leading many to label her as transphobic.
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Her outspoken views on transgender issues have caused significant rifts with several high-profile celebrities, including Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint.
Now, she’s facing criticism from Doctor Who fans, who are coming to David Tennant’s defense.
Earlier this year, Tennant had a public dispute with Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party in the UK. Badenoch has been a vocal critic of transgender rights, opposing laws that protect transgender people, rejecting gender-neutral bathrooms in public spaces, and comparing gender-affirming surgery to conversion therapy.
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While accepting the award for Celebrity Ally at the British LGBT Awards, Tennant said that he wished Badenoch would “shut up.”
“If I’m honest, I’m a little depressed by the fact that acknowledging that everyone has the right to be who they want to be and live their life how they want to live it as long as they’re not hurting anyone else should merit any kind of special award or special mention – because it’s common sense, isn’t it?
“It is human decency. We shouldn’t live in a world where that is worth remarking on. However, until we wake up and Kemi Badenoch doesn’t exist any more – I don’t wish ill of her, I just wish her to shut up – whilst we do live in this world, I am honoured to receive this.”
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Following the announcement of Kemi Badenoch as the new leader of the Conservative Party, Rowling took to social media and tweeted, “My thoughts and prayers are with David Tennant at this very difficult time.”
This sarcastic comment was interpreted as a jab at Tennant, who has fiercely defended LGBTQ+ rights and publicly criticized Badenoch.
My thoughts and prayers are with David Tennant at this very difficult time. https://t.co/5zM8WmyGSx
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 2, 2024
Reactions to Rowling’s social media jibe were swift and overwhelmingly in support of David Tennant. Fans took to various platforms to express their disapproval of Rowling’s comments, labeling her criticisms as “uncalled for.”
Many praised Tennant’s contributions to the LGBTQ+ discourse and his stance on inclusivity. Various social media users highlighted how Rowling seemed intent on targeting Tennant rather than addressing pertinent issues surrounding LGBTQ+ rights.
Some accused Rowling of being bitter that she never got to have a role in Doctor Who. Rowling was supposed to star in an episode of the show in 2008, but Tennant shot down the idea, since Rowling had no acting experience and he did not want the show to become a “spoof.”
Fun fact. David Tennant said no to JK being associated with Doctor Who, hence her eternal saltiness about him.
Making David even more awesome.
Here’s an unrelated photograph of David in a t-shirt that says ‘leave trans kids alone, you absolute freaks’.
I love him.
Fun fact. David Tennant said no to JK being associated with Doctor Who, hence her eternal saltiness about him.
Making David even more awesome.
Here’s an unrelated photograph of David in a t-shirt that says ‘leave trans kids alone, you absolute freaks’.
I love him. https://t.co/9UoHE6HGi0 pic.twitter.com/8tJGXLur4e
— Sam Connor (@criprights) November 3, 2024
Notable tweets included sentiments like, “David Tennant will always be loved while you will be hated,” emphasizing the actor’s popularity compared to Rowling’s increasingly negative public perception. Others pointed out Rowling’s history of controversies, making clear comparisons to her previous transphobic statements that have drawn criticism from other celebrities within the industry.
JK Rowling is still salty about that time David Tennant vetoed her appearing on Doctor Who. She’s always wanted to be a star and her big break into acting was cut short by The Doctor himself. Since then she has taken to acting like a fool on social media.
JK Rowling is still salty about that time David Tennant vetoed her appearing on Doctor Who. She’s always wanted to be a star and her big break into acting was cut short by The Doctor himself. Since then she has taken to acting like a fool on social media. pic.twitter.com/irI7zdgZt9
— Sam (he/him) (@mushycrouton) November 2, 2024
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Others pointed out that Tennant actually starred in one of the Harry Potter films, something Rowling probably isn’t happy about. Tennant played Barty Crouch Jr., a loyal follower of Lord Voldemort, in the 2005 film, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
JK Rowling is coming for David Tennant now. She’s utterly pathetic. It must really annoy her that he’s in the movie versions of the books she’s written. 😂
JK Rowling is coming for David Tennant now. She’s utterly pathetic. It must really annoy her that he’s in the movie versions of the books she’s written. 😂 pic.twitter.com/r7edrmezqe
— Suzy 🍂🦊🍉 (@xSuzyJS79x) November 2, 2024
Whose side are you on, David Tennant’s or J.K. Rowling’s? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!