Latest news with #transgenderDebate
Telegraph
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
JK Rowling denies having friendship with Fry after transphobia claim
JK Rowling has denied ever being friends with Sir Stephen Fry after he claimed she had been ' radicalised by terfs '. The comedian, writer and television presenter – who narrated all seven Harry Potter audiobooks – distanced himself from the author last week when he described her as a 'lost cause'. In his first public criticism of Rowling, Fry alleged that she had 'kicked up a hornets' nest of transphobia'. However, on Sunday night she hit back at the criticism, writing on X: 'It is a great mistake to assume that everyone who claims to have been a friend of mine was ever considered a friend by me.' Rowling made the comment alongside a screenshot of a social media post by Jolyon Maugham, a British barrister, in which he said: 'Really creditable this, from Stephen Fry. 'I've spoken to so many of JKR's once friends who now despair at her privately but won't do so publicly, which is very much the British way and why nothing ever changes for the better. So, well done Stephen.' Rowling has become a leading voice in the transgender debate. She publicly celebrated the Supreme Court's signficant ruling that transgender women are not legally women, posting a picture of herself enjoying a drink and a cigar. Fry became the latest high-profile figure to criticise her after well-documented fall-outs with original Harry Potter cast members Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. On the Show People podcast, Fry said: ' 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. It is unhelpful and only hardens her and will only continue to harden her, I am afraid. 'I am not saying that she [should] not be called out when she says things that are really cruel, wrong and mocking. She seems to be a lost cause for us.' He claimed Rowling was 'mocking' LGBT+ people and vowed his support for the community, adding: 'She started to make these peculiar statements and had very strong, difficult views. I disagree profoundly with her on this subject.' Fry said he was 'very happy' to go on the record and say he was 'really angry' about Rowling's 'crowing' over the Supreme Court ruling, but added that he had always enjoyed her company and previously found her 'charming, funny and interesting'. In her most recent addition to the trans debate, Rowling praised a BBC newsreader for appearing to reject a gender-neutral phrase during a live broadcast. She said Martine Croxall was now her 'new favourite' newsreader after she used the term 'pregnant people', before adding 'women' with emphasis and slightly rolling her eyes.
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Nicola Sturgeon's former chief of staff lands director role at book festival where star speaker is...Nicola Sturgeon!
Nicola Sturgeon 's former chief of staff has been hired as a director of the book festival where the ex-First Minister will be one of the most high-profile speakers. Liz Lloyd has been taken on by the Edinburgh International Book Festival because of her 'valuable experience in communications, leadership and public affairs'. It comes as Ms Sturgeon prepares to appear at the event in August to promote her memoir, entitled Frankly – and amid a row over the lack of gender-critical writers on the programme. Ms Sturgeon tried to drive through abortive transgender reforms while in office - while Ms Lloyd recently said she did not 'think either side of this [transgender] debate could really walk around with a halo over their head saying, you know, we got this absolutely right'. Ms Lloyd, 47, who now works for political risk consulting firm Flint Global, described herself as a 'thought partner' for the former First Minister. In a message in November 2020, during the Covif epidemic, Ms Lloyd said: 'I just want a good old-fashioned rammy so can think [sic] about something other than sick people.' Last night a Scottish Tory source said: 'Any hopes that Nicola Sturgeon might be subject to frank scrutiny when she plugs her self-serving book appear to have been dashed by this appointment. 'What next - Val McDermid [a crime writer and friend of Ms Sturgeon] 'grilling' her on her record?' A spokesman for the Edinburgh International Book Festival said: 'We are pleased to welcome Liz Lloyd to the board of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. 'Her appointment follows a fully advertised recruitment process, and she will bring valuable experience in communications, leadership and public affairs. 'Recent and upcoming board appointments reflect a broad range of expertise to support the Festival's strategic direction. 'Programming decisions remain solely with our executive and programming teams.' The Festival did not disclose Ms Lloyd's remuneration, and the latest accounts for the event, up to the end of 2023, pre-date Ms Lloyd's tenure. They show one unnamed director received payments for 'consultancy fees' of £18,557. Ms Lloyd was contacted for comment. Edinburgh International Book Festival, which is partially funded by the Scottish Government, has been criticised for giving a platform to Ms Sturgeon but not including gender-critical authors. The annual event has the theme of 'repair' - but is not hosting those on the opposite side of the gender debate to the SNP. It was plunged into financial woes last year after complaints from Left-wing activists, and the Scottish Greens, forced Baillie Gifford to withdraw its sponsorship. The multinational company was criticised for its investments in fossil fuels, with climate change activists threatening to disrupt some of the events. New funding was supplied by Edinburgh-based crime author Ian Rankin as well as additional cash coming from the Scottish Government and the People's Postcode Lottery. But the line-up infuriated some writers who claimed no feminists are scheduled to speak. Jenny Lindsay, who has written about being 'hounded' out of Scotland's literary scene due to speaking up for women's rights, was one of the most vocal critics. She wrote on social media platform X: 'I can't believe I missed that the theme is 'repair', and they've booked hounders over those hounded, are continuing to ostracise successful feminist writers trying to 'repair' after houndings, AND they're featuring many activist writers who had their funding destroyed last year and called them all sorts of names.' Two Scottish Tory MSPs also condemned the Edinburgh line-up. Tess White said it was 'very disappointing that Edinburgh International Book Festival has given a platform to people like Nicola Sturgeon, but not to authors like Jenny Lindsay who have suffered such significant personal and professional cost from speaking out against self-ID'. Fellow Tory MSP Pam Gosal added Edinburgh International Book festival's theme this year is 'repair' - yet 'they refuse to invite Jenny Lindsay and other feminist writers opposed to [gender] self-ID'. She said that instead they have 'given a platform to Nicola Sturgeon who threw women and girls under the bus'. There was also no invite for the authors behind the Sunday Times bestseller The Women Who Wouldn't Wheest - a series of essays about the battle for women's rights in Scotland. One of those behind it, Susan Dalgety, said that she 'never really expected' to be invited. She wrote on X that it included essays about how 'the book festival industry, like Nicola Sturgeon, had dismissed us as bigots and our book, and those by Jenny Lindsay, were simply 'not valid''. Ms Dalgety added: 'One of the biggest challenges facing Scotland [and the rest of the UK] in recent years is the social and cultural divide that has arisen, not between the wealthy and working people, but between the 'lanyard' class and the rest of us. 'The Edinburgh Book Festival (and others) largely pander to this small clique of middle-class folk whose luxury beliefs reinforce the power structures that celebrated the mutilation of children and put the demands of men first before the rights of even the most vulnerable women. 'But it's their loss, because some of the best thinking and creativity around is being done by women who have (re)discovered the power of their individual and collective voices.'
Daily Mail
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Nick Frost reveals he's been targeted by trans activists as he prepares to work with JK Rowling after accepting role of Hagrid in HBO's Harry Potter series
Nick Frost has revealed he has been targeted by trans activists after accepting the role of Hagrid in the new HBO Harry Potter series. The actor, 53, will star as the legendary Hogwarts groundskeeper in the much-anticipated show, which is set to begin filming this summer. However after sharing the exciting announcement on Instagram, Nick revealed he was forced to turn off the comments on the post due to being swamped with criticism for collaborating with JK Rowling. The famous author, who is also serving as an executive producer of the new series, has become a vocal presence in the transgender debate. Distancing himself from Rowling's trans views, Nick told the Observer: 'She's allowed her opinion and I'm allowed mine. They just don't align in any way, shape of form.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Rowling has been vocal on the subject of trans people for several years; in 2018, a spokesperson explained that her 'like' of a tweet calling trans women 'men in dresses' had been a 'middle-aged moment'. And following the Supreme Court judgement on April 17, Rowling has consistently referred to transgender women as being 'men'. Despite turning off interaction with fans, the publication asked Nick if he believes the debate may overshadow the new series. He added: ' I don't know but maybe it shouldn't blow over? We shouldn't just hope it will go away because if makes it easier maybe we should educate ourselves.' In his announcement post, the actor posed with a classic copy of the first book in JK Rowling's series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. He is set to play the role that was made famous by veteran actor Robbie Coltrane in the original film series, before his death in 2022. Nick captioned his post: 'You're a wizard, Harry!!! 'Thank you for trusting me with such a loyal, gentle and courageous half-giant like Rubeus Hagrid. Robbie, I promise I won't let you down.' Elsewhere, critics of the Harry Potter author criticised her role as an executive producer on the show because of her views on transgender issues. HBO chiefs later defended her role, saying Rowling had a 'right to express her personal views'. In a move that's sent shockwaves of excitement across the fandom, Hollywood heavyweight John Lithgow has been announced as the new Albus Dumbledore. Janet McTeer, known for her powerhouse performances on stage and screen, will step into the sharp heels of Professor McGonagall, while rising star Paapa Essiedu takes on the darker, more complicated role of Severus Snape – a part made famous by the late Alan Rickman. The casting, which was officially announced earlier this month, forms part of HBO's hotly anticipated reboot of J.K. Rowling 's seven-book series – a full-scale, decade-long adaptation that promises to stick far more closely to the original storylines than the blockbuster films. Fans say this could be the most exciting reboot yet, with many calling the casting 'perfectly magical' and praising the diverse, inclusive approach taken by producers. Showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner said: 'We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell and Filch.' Executive producer and director Mark Mylod added: 'We're delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can't wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.' The new series is aims to 'lead a new generation of fandom' and hopes to recapture the beloved details Harry Potter fans have enjoyed for 25 years. It will be executive produced by Harry Potter author JK Rowling, Ruth Kenley-Letts, Neil Blair and David Heyman. Back in 2023, the Mail's Alison Boshoff revealed how Rowling would personally approve all of the key castings in the forthcoming series. The author previously said: 'Max's commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me. 'And I'm looking forward to being part of this new adaptation, which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long-form television series.'
Telegraph
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Hagrid actor targeted by trans activists after taking on role
Nick Frost has revealed he was targeted by trans activists after accepting the role of Hagrid in the new HBO Harry Potter series. The actor and comedian, 53, had to turn off Instagram comments on the post announcing his casting after being swamped with criticism for collaborating with JK Rowling. The author, who is also serving as an executive producer of the new series, has become a vocal presence in the transgender debate. However, Frost has distanced himself from Rowling's trans views. 'She's allowed her opinion and I'm allowed mine,' he told The Observer. 'They just don't align in any way, shape or form.' Rowling is now seen as a leading figure in the trans debate, having staunch views on gender identity and protecting women-only spaces. She hailed the Supreme Court's landmark ruling that transgender women are not legally women as a victory and posted a picture of herself enjoying a drink and a cigar in April. But these views have caused high profile fall-outs with original cast members, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who all distanced themselves from Rowling. Before disabling comments from fans, Frost was inundated with questions about loyalty and accusations of valuing money over human rights. Despite blocking comments on his announcement post in April and limiting interactions since, he continues to be targeted by trans activists. Asked whether there was a chance the debate might overshadow the new series, he said: 'I don't know. But maybe it shouldn't blow over? We shouldn't just hope it will go away because it makes it easier. Maybe we should educate ourselves.' Hagrid, the Hogwarts half-giant groundskeeper, was played by Robbie Coltrane in all eight of the original films, before his death in 2022.
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
BBC Woman's Hour presenter Anita Rani accused of being 'biased and bigoted' by gender rights campaigner
BBC Woman's Hour presenter Anita Rani has been accused of being 'biased and bigoted' by a gender rights campaigner. Helen Joyce, director of advocacy at Sex Matters - a women's rights group - said her views were 'misrepresented' on the show by Rani. She made a formal complaint to the BBC, claiming the presenter should never have been allowed to present interviews with individuals on both sides of the transgender debate, because she had in the past shown 'extreme and unacceptable bias' on the issue, The Telegraph first reported. Woman's Hour had discussed the debate with figures on both sides after April's Supreme Court ruling that trans women are not legally women. The ruling also decided the word 'sex' in the Equality Act refers to biological sex and not gender identity, sparking mass debate across the world. Ms Joyce featured on Woman's Hour last week, before chief executive of Amnesty International UK, Sacha Deshmukh, appeared on the show two days later. In her complaint, Ms Joyce condemned the 'choice to use a demonstrably biased and bigoted presenter, Anita Rani, for that interview, thereby giving her and the interviewee the chance to misrepresent me'. She added that the presenter had 'previously publicly demonstrated bias and prejudice towards the gender-critical viewpoint'. 'In particular, she shouldn't have been allowed to interview Sacha Deshmukh because it was obvious she would give him an easy ride for ideological reasons,' she said. Gender rights campaigner Ms Joyce quoted a tweet Ms Rani had penned four years ago in the wake of criticism of Woman's Hour for featuring Paris Lees, a trans author, to discuss the book What It Feels Like For A Girl. Ms Rani posted: 'I'm disgusted by the levels of transphobia on here. Woman's Hour is a space to discuss everything about LGBTQ+ issues. 'Listening to people's stories helps us understand something and hopefully empathise. Ditch the hate.' In response, Ms Joyce claimed the tweet exposed Ms Rani's 'extreme and unacceptable bias'. Ms Joyce claimed the presenter misrepresented her point of view in a question to Mr Deshmuck, enabling him to make out she did not understand the Supreme Court ruling. 'Anita asked Sacha misleading questions which muddled up my explanation of the judgment,' she wrote. A spokesman for the BBC said: 'The BBC's Editorial Complaints Unit will respond to this complaint directly, in accordance with our usual complaints procedure. Woman's Hour has given an on air clarification, stating that when Helen Joyce from the campaign group Sex Matters was quoted in the interview with Sacha Deshmukh, chief executive of Amnesty International UK, her comment referred to the Equality Act and not to the issue of sex and gender in wider society or any other legislation. 'Both interviews were part of a series broadcast by Woman's Hour over the past two weeks, which reflect a wide range of perspectives on the Supreme Court ruling.'
