The Wizarding World of Controversy

After a twitter explosion of controversy only months ago, J.K Rowling, author of the national sensation series, Harry Potter, has published a new book that has sparked mixed opinions all across social media.

The new debate has come from the basis of J.K Rowling’s new book, written under the pen name “Robert Golbraith”. The story follows a serial killer who dresses up as a woman to murder his female victims. Readers and social media users worldwide have branded the plot itself as transphobic, following a similar controversy from only a few months ago. 

"Readers and social media users worldwide have branded the plot itself as transphobic, following a similar controversy from only a few months ago..."

In July, Rowling faced criticism for stating that hormones and transition surgeries were the “new kind of conversion therapy”. This comes from a thread of tweets she posted, comparing gay conversion therapy to transgendered people’s surgeries, stating that mental health issues were causing them to be “shunted towards” getting surgery. 

She was condemned widely for these comments and the debate has continued into the release for her new book. Not only are people frustrated with the controversial plot of her book, but people have also outlined that her pen name “Robert Golbraith” is derived from an infamous conversion therapist.

Others have attempted to defend the new book, stating that there is not anything wrong with the plot of the book and that the pen name is surely just a coincidence. These comments have been met with frustration from opposing opinions on social media across the nation with a range of celebrities putting out statements in defense of the trans community.

The twin duo, Jedward, tweeted “Understanding is the first step to acceptance and only with acceptance can there be recovery. It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be!”

J.K Rowling herself has not addressed either of the controversies and instead has refrained from speaking about the matter whatsoever on social media. With the controversy only growing and opinions classing constantly, it does not seem as though this will go unnoticed for much longer.