J.K. Rowling has been “radicalised by TERFs”, Sir Stephen Fry has claimed, as he branded his former friend a “lost cause”. The Telegraph has the story.
It is the first time the comedian and television presenter, who narrated all seven Harry Potter audio books, has criticised his former friend, describing her as a “lost cause”.
Speaking on the Show People podcast, Sir Stephen 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.”
The term TERF is used as a slur to describe ‘transgender-exclusionary radical feminists’.
Rowling has become a leading voice in the transgender debate.
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.
Sir Stephen is the latest high-profile figure to criticise the author, following well-documented fall-outs with original cast members Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.
It is the first time he has criticised his former friend.
He claimed she was “mocking” LGBT+ people and vowed his support for the community. …
But added that he had always enjoyed her company and previously found her “charming, funny and interesting”.
“‘When it comes to the transphobia issue, it is right to remind people that trans people are here and that they are hurting and that they are being abominably treated,” he said.
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