“JK Rowling has a right to express her personal views,” said Warner Bros. Discovery.
JK Rowling is known not only for her “Harry Potter” book series, but also for her transphobic comments on her account on the X platform. Now Warner Bros. Discovery and the BBC are being accused by members of the transgender community of “DEI” Violating diversity, equity and inclusion policies by supporting the author. And those denounced continue to support the author.
This is what Warner Bros. Discovery and BBC have to do with the author
Warner Bros. Discovery is working with Rowling on the “Harry Potter” television series for HBO. The United Kingdom’s public broadcaster is also linked to the 59-year-old. The BBC will soon be releasing the sixth season of the television series “Strike”, which is also based on the Brit’s novels. Rowling is an executive producer on both projects. Her company Brontë Film and TV is also one of them. As Deadline reported on December 19, members of the transgender community working in the media are alarmed by Rowling’s behavior and the support she receives from WBD and the BBC. The two media companies would be acting against the internal guidelines on the fairness and inclusion of transgender employees.
Who benefits here?
When asked by Deadline, WBD said: “We have been working with JK Rowling and the Harry Potter business for over 20 years. With millions of fans continuing to enjoy films, games and experiences, we have had great success and their contribution has been invaluable.” The company is proud to be able to tell the story of the “Harry Potter” world again. And: “JK Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will continue to focus on developing the new series, which will only benefit from their involvement.”
According to the same source, BBC refused to comment specifically on Rowling’s views. The English company only spoke of its desire to “create an inclusive workforce that reflects and represents the diversity of the United Kingdom”.
Rowling’s long-standing management also continues to support her. Neil Blair told Deadline: “As an agency, it is our honor and responsibility to champion the rights of all our clients to express their thoughts and beliefs and we believe in freedom of speech. That’s why I’m proud to represent Jo.”
JK Rowling keeps going
The artist herself apparently declined to comment on “Deadline”. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether it was a coincidence or not, that same day (December 19th) she posted on platform My salute goes out to every girl and woman who has paid a high price for fighting for their rights and boundaries, to every person who works to stop a horrific medical experiment on minors. We will win.”
She tagged her own posting from December 19, 2019 by writing: “Dress however you want. Call yourself whatever you want. Sleep with any consenting adult you want. Live your best life in peace and security. But pushing women out of their jobs because you say that gender is real?” A post that the author apparently regrets, as she would not have written as clearly (transphobically) here as she has over the past few years has appropriated. Rowling’s timeline of offensive comments about the transgender community can be seen on her X account.