“Whatever, I’ll be Dead”: J.K. Rowling Stands Firm on Anti-Trans Comments, Unconcerned About Legacy Tarnish

J.K. Rowling, the celebrated author of the Harry Potter series, has been embroiled in controversy for her comments about transgender people for a long time. With a mix of supporters and detractors, her remarks have sparked numerous debates. The podcast The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling delves deeply into this topic.

J.K. Rowling Speaks Out on Controversy

In a recent interview on the podcast, Rowling asserted that she has been misunderstood and that she isn’t worried about the impact on her legacy.

“I do not walk around my house, thinking about my legacy,” she stated in the first episode. “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.”

The Podcast’s Exploration

The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling, produced by Free Press and hosted by Megan Phelps-Roper, aims to find common ground between those who opposed Rowling’s work from different ideological perspectives. Phelps-Roper seeks to understand why Rowling’s work has angered various groups over time.

“What is it about this woman and her work that has captured the ire of very different groups of people across time?” Phelps-Roper asks in the premiere episode.

Reactions and Defense

The podcast has become a focal point for Rowling’s defenders, including New York Times columnist Pamela Paul, who argued that “nothing Rowling has said qualifies as transphobic.” However, her comments have also been criticized by actors from the Harry Potter films, such as Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Eddie Redmayne, while Ralph Fiennes has defended her.

Controversial Remarks

Rowling ignited controversy in June 2020 with tweets suggesting that the reality of sex is important for issues like same-sex attraction and women’s experiences. She has also claimed that trans women retain male patterns of criminality, leading to concerns about safety in women’s spaces.

Standing Firm

Despite backlash and threats, Rowling remains steadfast in her beliefs. She emphasizes caring about the present rather than her legacy. The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling, spanning seven episodes, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms.