Rowling says she didn't mean to like transphobic tweet
JK Rowling has denied that she intentionally 'liked' a tweet containing a transphobic slur after coming under heavy criticism.
Users of the social media platform who follow the Harry Potter author saw in their timelines that Rowling had hit the 'like' button on a tweet that referred to transgender women as "men in dresses".
Although the tweet no longer appears under Rowling's 'liked' tweets, it was still screenshotted and shared by other users.
Wingardium transphobia @jk_rowling pic.twitter.com/s6cJ2rIr6A
- Philip Ellis (@Philip_Ellis) March 21, 2018
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A representative for the author got in touch with PinkNews to say Rowling didn't intentionally press the 'like' button, stating: "I'm afraid JK Rowling had a clumsy and middle-aged moment and this is not the first time she has favourited by holding her phone incorrectly."
JK Rowling is already in hot water with the LGBTQ+ community over the decision to not feature Albus Dumbledore's homosexuality in the upcoming Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
The character being gay was never mentioned in the books and was only revealed by Rowling after the series had wrapped up. By not including it in the text of the books or films, fans believe Rowling is shying away from making any sort of real statement.
The author has also faced further backlash over her public support of Johnny Depp's casting, following accusations of domestic violence from his ex-wife, Amber Heard.
Depp has staunchly denied any and all allegations of domestic violence, and his friends and family all publicly showed their support to the actor.
"Based on our understanding of the circumstances, the filmmakers and I are not only comfortable sticking with our original casting, but genuinely happy to have Johnny playing a major character in the movies," Rowling said.
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald will hit cinemas on November 16.
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