CHANGING THEIR TUNE

HBO Stands By J.K. Rowling for ‘Harry Potter’ Reboot Despite Anti-Trans Statements

Under new leadership, the company apparently no longer feels the need to distance themselves from the controversial author.

HBO doubled down on the involvement of J.K. Rowling in its Harry Potter reboot series, despite the long-running controversy over Rowling’s anti-transgender views. “J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views,” the company said in a statement Nov. 12. “We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.” HBO’s position is a departure from the carefully worded statement its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, initially offered when Rowling first spoke about trans issues in 2020 to immense backlash. “Fostering a diverse and inclusive culture has never been more important to our company,” the company said at the time. Stars of the original franchise, like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, also released statements in support of trans rights. Since 2020, Rowling’s anti-trans ideology has become the core of her online presence. Variety found that Rowling posted or reposted anti-trans content more than 200 times since September, compared to eight posts about Harry Potter in the same time period. Now, under new leadership, Warner Bros. Discovery apparently doesn’t feel the need to distance themselves from Rowling. “We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance,” the statement said.