Stephen Fry slammed for calling JK Rowling 'radicalized' and 'a lost cause' in trans rights debate

LONDON, UK: Stephen Fry has publicly distanced himself from JK Rowling in a rare and pointed rebuke of the author’s position on transgender rights by describing her as “radicalised” and expressing deep regret over her stance.

The celebrated actor and broadcaster, who famously narrated the 'Harry Potter' audiobooks, spoke candidly on 'The Show People' podcast, about the issue, marking this the first time he’s directly criticized Rowling in such unambiguous terms, GB News reported. 

Stephen Fry says JK Rowling has been ‘radicalized’ in trans debate

“She has been radicalised, I fear and it may be she has been radicalised by terfs, but also by the vitriol that is thrown at her,” Fry said, referring to Rowling’s alignment with views he believes are harmful to the trans community. “It is unhelpful and only hardens her and will only continue to harden her I am afraid.”

He didn’t hold back, saying, “She seems to be a lost cause for us.” Fry voiced his frustration with Rowling’s recent remarks and made it clear that he was “happy to go on the record” about where he stands.

“I am not saying that she should not be called out,” he continued on the podcast. “When she says things that are really cruel, wrong and mocking.”

The former 'QI' host took aim at Rowling for staying silent in the face of some of her supporters' more vile and damaging comments. He expressed disappointment that she hasn’t publicly distanced herself from those “truly horrible and violently destructive” remarks.

Fry also criticized her for making what he described as “inflammatory and contemptuous, mocking” remarks, saying her tone came across as dismissive and harsh, something he believes only adds more strain during an already deeply painful time for the trans community.

Throughout the interview, Fry expressed sorrow and disbelief at how someone he once admired could adopt what he called a “destructive posture.”

He recalled enjoying Rowling’s company in the past, describing her as “charming and brilliant,” but said he could no longer ignore the harm he believes her words have caused.

“Trans people are here. They are hurting and are “being abominably treated,” Fry said. 

Rowling became a flashpoint in the trans rights conversation following a series of social media posts and essays in which she questioned the inclusion of trans women in women-only spaces.

In April, she drew attention and criticism for celebrating a Supreme Court ruling that declared transgender women are not legally recognized as women under the law. Marking the moment, she posted a photo of herself relaxing with a cigarillo and a drink aboard a yacht in the Caribbean.

The decision, delivered by Lord Hodge, clarified that under the Equality Act 2010, the term “woman” refers specifically to biological sex assigned at birth. As a result, the ruling allows for the legal exclusion of transgender individuals from certain single-sex spaces.

'Harry Potter' alumni remain divided

Fry now joins a growing list of 'Harry Potter' actors who’ve taken public stances against Rowling’s comments. Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson have both affirmed their support for the trans community.

Radcliffe said in 2020, “Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I.”

Watson similarly posted, “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren't who they say they are.”

Fry, who had previously attempted to stay out of the fray, said he no longer felt he could do so in good conscience. “She seemed to wake up or kick a hornet’s nest of transphobia,” he said. “Which has been entirely destructive.”

Tom Felton offered a more neutral perspective when asked about the ongoing controversy, admitting, “I can't say it does, I'm not really that attuned to it.”

He went on to express his appreciation for JK Rowling’s impact, saying, “I’ve never seen anything bring the world together more than Potter. She's responsible for that, so I'm incredibly grateful.”

Stephen Fry faces backlash for calling JK Rowling 'radicalized'

Stephen Fry has waded into the heated gender identity debate, describing longtime friend and Harry Potter author JK Rowling as “radicalised” in her stance on trans issues that has triggered a wave of fierce reactions across the internet.

One user hit back sharply snd wrote, “The only person he has minimised is himself.”

Others defended Rowling’s position, slamming Fry’s remarks as misguided, “Radicalised to believe women's sports and women's changing rooms shouldn't include men. Fry really is a self-indulgent fool.”

“It’s very patronising to describe her as a cause to anyone. She’s a hugely successful independent woman,” one person wrote.

Criticism of Fry continued across social platforms, as another individual remarked, “He’s a Twat, everybody knows it.”

“Accepting reality is not radical,” another added.

The last user wrote bluntly, “He's always been a misogynist too. He thinks he's highly intelligent because he has a posh accent and because he fronted a show where production staff fed him the answers to obscure trivia questions through his ear piece. He hasn't even looked at the issues at stake for women.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.