JK Rowling defended by Harry Potter’s Robbie Coltrane as trans row erupts again

JK Rowling joins high-profile figures voicing fears for free speech

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JK Rowling has been defended by Robbie Coltrane over accusations of transphobia as the row about her comments erupted again.

The 70-year-old Harry Potter star, who played gamekeeper Hagrid in the series of movies, has said that the author’s views are ‘not offensive’.

Rowling has attracted strong criticism for comments on gender identity, but vehemently denies she is transphobic.

The row was reignited this week when a Sunday Telegraph review of her latest book, Troubled Blood, said it featured a “transvestite serial killer”.

Coltrane has suggested people are too easily offended.

© Getty Images Robbie Coltrane has defended Harry Potter author JK Rowling

Speaking to Radio Times, Coltrane said: “I don’t think what she said was offensive really. I don’t know why but there’s a whole Twitter generation of people who hang around waiting to be offended.

“They wouldn’t have won the war, would they? That’s me talking like a grumpy old man, but you just think, ‘Oh, get over yourself. Wise up, stand up straight and carry on.”‘

The Cracker star said he did not want to go further because, “I don’t want to get involved in all of that because of all the hate mail and all that s***, which I don’t need at my time of life”.

© AFP via Getty Images JK Rowling has been accused of making transphobic comments

Rowling was accused of being transphobic after responding to an article headlined “Creating a more equal post-Covid-19 world for people who menstruate”.

She tweeted: “‘People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?”

The 55-year-old Harry Potter author defended her comments and 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.”

She was criticised at the time by Harry Potter stars including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.

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