Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has been a figure of controversy ever since she espoused views that were deemed to be transphobic over three years ago, and the backlash has only increased, with many accusing the writer of "ruining" the franchise she played such an integral part in creating with her comments.
Several Harry Potter cast members have denounced Rowling's views (though some have also come to her defence), but in an upcoming podcast, The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling, host Megan Phelps-Roper will give Rowling the opportunity to respond to her critics and (potentially) set the record straight.
"What has interested me over the last 10 years, certainly in the last two, three years, particularly on social media [people have said], 'You've ruined your legacy.' 'Oh, you could've been beloved forever, but you chose to say this,'" Rowling says in the trailer. "And I think you could not have misunderstood me more profoundly."
"I never set out to upset anyone," she adds. " [But] I was not uncomfortable with getting off my pedestal."
Clearly not!
Whether you happen to feel Rowling has been unjustly targeted or not, there's no denying that her refusal to move on from the subject has led to an increase in anti-trans sentiment on social media, so it will be interesting to hear how she responds.
Check out the audio trailer for yourselves here.
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling will be available to stream starting Feb. 21.
About The Author:
Mark Cassidy is a writer, photographer, amateur filmmaker, and Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic from Dublin, Ireland.