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HBO Says ‘Harry Potter’ Series Will ‘Benefit’ From J.K. Rowling’s Involvement: She ‘Has the Right to Express Her Personal Views’
HBO supports J.K. Rowling's involvement with the new "Harry Potter" show as the core fanbase grapples with Rowling’s controversial views on trans identity.
And Warner Bros. released a carefully worded statement that “a diverse and inclusive culture has never been more important to our company and to our audiences around the world” — which, while not mentioning Rowling or trans and nonbinary people, did at least put some rhetorical distance between the studio and the creative force behind one of its most enduring and lucrative franchises. For her part, Rowling has affirmed that she’s unconcerned about her gender activism affecting her legacy, and in April, she made clear that she would not forgive any creative collaborators who have spoken out in opposition to her beliefs: “Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces.” (Even this week, Rowling demonstrated her resolve, rebuking John Oliver — whom she met when he volunteered for her children’s charity, Lumos — for speaking on his HBO series “Last Week Tonight” in support of trans kids playing sports, which the author called “absolute bullshit.”) For any actor joining the new “Harry Potter” series, Rowling has thrown down a gauntlet they’re unlikely to escape once casting for the show begins in earnest next year — just as the incoming Trump administration will likely start implementing plans to roll back protections for trans youth and health care.
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