John Oliver Stirs J.K. Rowling Outrage After Criticizing Right Wing ‘Obsession’ With Banning Trans Athletes; Rowling Tells Him to ‘Read the F—ing Room’

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John Oliver has sparked another debate with J.K. Rowling, this time focusing on the issue of transgender athletes. On April 6, he used “Last Week Tonight” to critique the MAGA and conservative community’s fixation on attempting to prohibit transgender athletes in sports, even at school level. In response, Rowling took aim at Oliver on X.

The author of ‘Harry Potter’ expressed this idea: It’s clear why individuals like Oliver, who have frequently criticized those against science among the right, chose to compromise at first. They were concerned about preserving their careers. Adopting unpopular, anti-women’s rights stances was simply part of the deal. However, it’s high time we acknowledge the current situation – it’s crucial to understand the room.”

Or more informally:

“The ‘Harry Potter’ author tweeted this: It’s easy to see why men like Oliver, who have often ridiculed anti-science folks on the right, caved in at first. They were protecting their careers. Being against women’s rights was just part of the package deal. But it’s long overdue for us to get with the program and realize what’s going on.

In the course of the discussion, Oliver admitted to having a disagreement with Rowling regarding that subject last year. Specifically, Rowling criticized Oliver in November due to his advocacy for transgender athletes participating in women’s sports, labeling him as a “clearly intelligent individual” who “uttered nonsense.”

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During the talk, Oliver brought up his argument with Rowling from last year on that matter. In fact, Rowling accused Oliver in November of promoting misinformation about transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, describing him as a “smart person” who “spreads nonsense.

It’s a bit unusual to receive such intense criticism from the author of ‘Harry Potter,’ considering my appearance seems like what might have become of Harry had he been left in that cupboard for all his life,” Oliver humorously pointed out, affirming that he still fully supports every word he spoke last year.

It’s clear why individuals like Oliver, who have been criticizing science skeptics on the right, may have initially compromised. They were likely concerned about damaging their careers. However, it’s now crucial to recognize the current atmosphere. It’s essential to stand for women’s rights, and taking such positions is an inevitable part of professional life.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 7, 2025

In discussing the subject of “Last Week Tonight” last year, Oliver pointed out: “Few transgender girls participate in high schools nationwide. Even if there were more, it’s important to remember that trans youth, like all young people, have varying athletic abilities and there is no proof they endanger safety or fairness… If you truly aim to tackle the main worry for most female athletes involved in high school sports, your focus should be elsewhere – perhaps on the unusual assistant volleyball coach who repeatedly likes their posts on Instagram, which seems more concerning.

On numerous occasions, I’ve encountered individuals who make similar arguments as Oliver here, employing identical points,” Rowling stated back then. “Incredibly, those who advocate for ‘believing the science’ will claim, without a hint of irony, ‘actually, we still lack sufficient data to determine if men and boys are generally stronger and faster than women and girls.’ The ‘be kind’ advocates seem oblivious to the problem at hand.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d put it this way: “If you find pleasure in watching women endure pain, shame, and the denial of sporting chances to uphold an exclusive, modern ideology that only a tiny percentage of the global population identifies with, that’s your prerogative. Everyone has their own opinions. But if you’ve just dismissed girls’ right to fair play in sports, perhaps it’s time to reconsider using a distasteful and all-too-frequent issue like sexual exploitation of young women as the punchline for your ‘edgy’ final gag.

J.K. Rowling and John Oliver have each found a new residence at HBO. Currently, John Oliver’s “Last Week Tonight” is airing on its 12th season with the network. Meanwhile, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is currently being developed for an HBO series, which might start filming this year and could potentially debut in 2026.

Watch Oliver’s latest “Last Week Tonight” segment in the video below.

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2025-04-07 18:47