J.K. Rowling: A Podcast, A Lawsuit, And A Defence

Wizarding World creator and author J.K. Rowling will release a new podcast titled The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling with the Free Press at the end of February. This comes after Rowling posted “controversial” tweets about simple biology and was persecuted on social media. The podcast debuts on February 21st and will release an episode weekly for six weeks.

I agreed to sit down with Megan because, having read her wonderful book, Unfollow, I thought the two of us could have a real, interesting, two-sided conversation that might prove constructive. You can listen and find out for yourself here: https://t.co/aYx3XGQ9jl
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) February 14, 2023

In other news, Rowling seems to have filed a lawsuit against an activist named JJ Welles.

The thing about the solicitors game is everyone can play, JJ. I ignored your 'hyperbolic metaphor' about burning me to death in 2020, but I'm starting to think that was a mistake. What's your solicitor's view on this Nazi accusation? Would they advise you to defend it in court?😘 pic.twitter.com/gaHJ7YaP70
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 29, 2022

In the now-deleted Tweet, Welles called Rowling a Nazi. Rowling responded back in December, threatening legal action. It would appear that some sort of lawsuit did occur, as Welles issued a grammatically error-filled retraction this week.

I would like to publicly apologise for a previous Twitter thread where I interacted with JK Rowling on matters relating to the transgender community. I have now removed these tweets and would like to apologise to JK Rowling directly for causing potential upset.

(1/3)
— JJ Welles (@josephjames94) February 13, 2023

I would also like to retract my likening to JK Rowling to any far right or Nazi organisation and emphasise I do not wish any individual, inclusive of JK Rowling, to come to any harm.
(3/3)
— JJ Welles (@josephjames94) February 13, 2023

He tweeted out: “I would like to publicly apologise for a previous Twitter thread where I interacted with JK Rowling on matters relating to the transgender community. I have now removed these tweets and would like to apologise to JK Rowling directly for causing potential upset.” It appears the saying “fuck around, find out” applies in this scenario. Kudos to Rowling for sticking to her beliefs.

Lastly, in Rowling-related news, The New York Times published an article defending Rowling, and calling out how “absurd” this behavior is. This is refreshing, as most people who show support for the author are abused online.