Celebrities Slam J.K. Rowling After She Celebrates UK Supreme Court Ruling Defining Women by Biological Sex
The ongoing cultural clash surrounding J.K. Rowling reached new heights this week after the Harry Potter author celebrated a landmark UK Supreme Court ruling that legally defines a woman as a “biological female” under equality laws.
The ruling, seen by many as a setback for trans rights in the United Kingdom, triggered an immediate backlash from celebrities, including Bridgerton stars Nicola Coughlan and Charithra Chandran, and Saturday Night Live comedian Bowen Yang.
Celebrities Speak Out Against Rowling’s Celebration
Nicola Coughlan, who has gained international fame for her role on Netflix’s Bridgerton, voiced her disapproval through Instagram Stories. Referring to HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV reboot, Coughlan wrote, “Keep your new Harry Potter lads. Wouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole.”
The Irish actress didn’t stop there. She also shared a critical article titled This Is a New Low for J.K. Rowling and highlighted Rowling’s financial support for For Women Scotland, a group often accused of campaigning against trans rights. In a powerful gesture, Coughlan directed her followers to donate to Not A Phase, a UK-based charity supporting transgender individuals.
In a video message, Coughlan expressed her horror at the court’s decision, stating, “To see an already marginalized community being further attacked and attacked in law is really stomach-churning and disgusting.”
Charithra Chandran Calls Out ‘Loser Behavior’
Charithra Chandran, another breakout star from Bridgerton, echoed Coughlan’s outrage on TikTok. In her video, Chandran accused Rowling of engaging in “loser behavior” by supporting legislation she sees as oppressive.
“My womanhood has never felt threatened by a trans woman, ever,” the actress declared passionately. “How pathetic to target one of the most oppressed groups in our society.”
Chandran also questioned the motives of those claiming to protect women’s rights. “Where were you when people petitioned for better funding for women’s sports or stronger legislation against sexual assault?,” she asked, highlighting what she described as glaring hypocrisy.
Bowen Yang Sends a Strong Message
SNL comedian Bowen Yang added his voice to the growing chorus of criticism. In a blunt Instagram post, Yang shared a photo of himself flipping the middle finger, captioned simply, “F*** you” alongside a transgender pride flag emoji.
“Absolute f*** you to J.K. Rowling,” Yang reiterated in his Instagram Story, leaving no ambiguity about where he stands.
J.K. Rowling Defends Her Position
Despite the backlash, J.K. Rowling remained defiant. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), she shared a photo of herself smoking a cigar to celebrate the ruling, writing, “I love it when a plan comes together.”
Rowling later clarified, mocking critics who misidentified her cigar: “Even if it decided to identify as a blunt for the purposes of this celebration, it would remain objectively, provably, and demonstrably a cigar.”
She also addressed the uproar from trans activists, stating, “You never had the rights you claim you’ve now lost; you had demands. Your sense of entitlement grew unchecked because cowards and idiots bowed down to your campaign of intimidation. No longer.”
The Supreme Court’s Landmark Ruling
The UK Supreme Court’s decision stems from a case brought by For Women Scotland against the Scottish government. The core issue involved whether the government could legally redefine “woman” to include transgender women in public sector gender balance initiatives.
Delivering the judgment, Supreme Court President Lord Patrick Hodge stated, “The definition of the terms woman and sex in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex.”
However, Lord Hodge cautioned against interpreting the decision as a victory for one side over another, emphasizing that the ruling was meant to clarify legal definitions, not to inflame social tensions.
Implications for the Future
The court’s decision now means that transgender women may be excluded from spaces legally reserved for biological females, such as women’s shelters, hospital wards, and changing rooms. Additionally, it may set a precedent allowing sporting organizations to restrict competitions based on biological sex.
The fallout has reignited the debate over the balance between women’s rights and trans rights — a battle that is unlikely to settle soon, especially as influential figures like Rowling double down on their positions.
As Rowling’s world of magic faces another real-world controversy, the divide between her and much of the entertainment industry seems deeper than ever.
