J.K. Rowling Says She Would “Happily” Go to Prison For Committing Hate Crimes

In recent years, it’s no secret that J.K. Rowling, the author of the beloved Harry Potter series, has fallen out of favor with many fans, both hardcore and casual alike. This is all due to her political opinions, many of which could be described as ‘hateful,’ depending on who you ask. But committing hate crimes in the eyes of the law is a new low, even for J.K. Rowling.

In 1997, the unknown Rowling shot to superstardom when her book Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released. Four years later, Rowling’s wizarding world was brought to life when Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) was released in theaters.

Rowling created one of the most popular series to ever exist — writing a total of seven Harry Potter novels, which were later turned into eight movies.

Rowling became the first author to ever reach billionaire status, and it seemed that she would never come down from the pedestal she was on. Then, reality hit and things haven’t been the same.

Over the past few years, Rowling has found herself making headlines for what many consider to be transphobic comments. Rowling has also frequently been referred to as a T.E.R.F. — a trans-exclusionary radical feminist.

She has frequently and openly voiced that she does not believe that trans women (biological males who transitioned to female) should be considered women.

No. pic.twitter.com/YhoHfKdeat

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) October 17, 2023

Related: Disney Had Harry Potter and Let It Walk Out the Door

Rowling’s comments have caused many Harry Potter fans to turn their backs on her. Warner Bros. — the studio behind the Harry Potter films — has cut ties with her and no longer works with her on its Fantastic Beasts franchise — a spinoff of Harry Potter.

However, Rowling does not seem fazed by the backlash. And, recently, she said that she would happily go to prison for her recent actions.

In late 2023, the United Kingdom’s Labour political party was reportedly attempting to incorporate anti-transphobic actions into existing hate crime laws. These updates would recognize the actions of purposefully misgendering transgender individuals and referring to them as their “dead name” (their name before transitioning) as hate crimes.

This proposed plan would find those guilty of these hate crimes sentenced to up to two years in prison for “aggravated offenses,” a prison sentence that J.K. Rowling has stated she would “happily” serve. Not only that, but the author went so far as to say the experience would be “more fun than I’ve ever had on a red carpet.”

I'll happily do two years if the alternative is compelled speech and forced denial of the reality and importance of sex. Bring on the court case, I say. It'll be more fun than I've ever had on a red carpet.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) October 17, 2023

She then continued to joke about what parts of the prison she would like to work in:

Hoping for the library, obviously, but I think I could do ok in the kitchens. Laundry might be a problem. I have a tendency to shrink stuff/turn it pink accidentally. Guessing that won’t be a major issue if it’s mostly scrubs and sheets, though.

Hoping for the library, obviously, but I think I could do ok in the kitchens. Laundry might be a problem. I have a tendency to shrink stuff/turn it pink accidentally. Guessing that won't be a major issue if it's mostly scrubs and sheets, though.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) October 17, 2023

J.K. Rowling has been pushing her views for several years after a 2020 OpEd used the phrase “people who menstruate.” Rowling was offended that the article did not use the phrase “women.”

At the time, she famously said,

“If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.“

Related: New Harry Potter Series Reportedly in the Works!

J.K. Rowling has received pushback not only from the public, but also from Harry Potter stars, including Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger.

Watson frequently fights for equal rights for all people, no matter their gender identity or sexuality. Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) have also condemned her statements.

A new Harry Potter series is currently in development at HBO, and Rowling is currently being billed as an executive producer. HBO executives are frequently asked about how much she will be involved and how they feel about the things that Rowling has said, but they evade answering.

The new series does not have a release date, but is expected to run for 10 seasons. It will also take a much deeper dive into the Harry Potter universe than the films did.