JK Rowling Reported to Police for Misgendering Trans Broadcaster India Willoughby

Transgender broadcaster India Willoughby has reported renowned author JK Rowling to the police over allegations of misgendering, sparking a new chapter in the ongoing debate around gender identity.

The controversy unfolded after a filmed interview with Byline TV, where Willoughby, a well-known trans woman and broadcaster, accused Rowling of repeatedly referring to her as a man despite her legal status as a woman. Willoughby, who holds a gender recognition certificate, claimed that Rowling’s actions amounted to a breach of the Equality Act and the Gender Recognition Act.

Following the release of the interview, Rowling took to social media to defend herself, citing the Forstater ruling which established the protection of gender-critical views under English law. The Forstater ruling, brought to light by Maya Forstater in the Employment Appeal Tribunal, has been a landmark case in the recognition of gender-critical beliefs.

Rowling, known for her Harry Potter series, reposted a clip where journalist Caolan Robertson, who conducted the interview, was accused of also misgendering Willoughby. Rowling asserted that there is no legal obligation for her to refer to Willoughby as a woman.

The online feud escalated further as Willoughby claimed to have reported Rowling to Northumbria Constabulary, alleging the misgendering incidents as a hate crime under the definitions outlined in the Equality Act 2010. Both the police and the Crown Prosecution Service have acknowledged the gravity of hate crimes based on transgender identity.

As the dispute garnered attention, Downing Street refrained from commenting directly on the situation but emphasized the importance of recognizing gender identities without controversy. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak‘s previous statements on defining men and women were referenced in light of the ongoing debate.

The clash between Rowling and Willoughby is emblematic of the broader discussions surrounding trans rights and freedom of speech on social media platforms, showcasing the complexity and sensitivity of the issue.