Warner Bros. issues statement over Rowling controversy, asserts 'inclusiveness' in company

Author J.K. Rowling has made to headlines over her controversial tweets about the LGBTQ community. The author made assertions on her social media about how trans people define their identity. The tweets came under immediate criticism and Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Katie Leung also took a clear stand in support of the trans community. Now, Harry Potter production house Warner Bros. has also made a statement surrounding the same controversy. 

Warner Bros. responds to J.K. Rowling controversy

The statement released by the production house to an international website read, “The events in the last several weeks have firmed our resolve as a company to confront difficult societal issues,” the company said in a statement to Variety. “Warner Bros.’ position on inclusiveness is well established, and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture has never been more important to our company and to our audiences around the world. We deeply value the work of our storytellers who give so much of themselves in sharing their creations with us all. We recognize our responsibility to foster empathy and advocate understanding of all communities and all people, particularly those we work with and those we reach through our content”.

ALSO READ | Harry Potter Fans Contribute To Trans Groups After J.K. Rowling's ‘transphobic’ Tweets

This statement comes days after J.K. Rowling made assertions that women are defined by their biological sex and not by their gender-based identity. She said that it is not hate if one is speaking the truth. She continued and made several tweets regarding the same. Fans quickly called her out as many of them considered her comments transphobic. 

ALSO READ | Daniel Radcliffe's Essay On J.K. Rowling's Trans Opinion Sparks Wide-ranging Heated Debate

Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe posted a lengthy statement in support of the trans community and stated that transgender women are women. He said that anything contrary to that statement erases the identity and dignity of transgender people. The actor further added that it goes against the advice of medical professionals who are far more experienced in the matter than him or J.K. Rowling. 

ALSO READ | Now, Emma Watson & Eddie Redmayne Oppose J.K. Rowling's Take On Non-binary Gender Identities

Fantastic Beasts star Eddie Redmayne said in a statement that as someone who has worked with trans people and J.K. Rowling, he had to make it clear where he stood on the issue. He said that he disagrees with Rowling and that he is in support of the trans community. Harry Potter's Katie Leung posted a thread of numerous pro-trans organisations in response to Rowling's statement. Emma Watson also tweeted in support of the trans community and made it clear where she stands. 

ALSO READ | Harry Potter's Katie Leung 'cancels' J.K. Rowling Over Her Alleged Transphobic Tweets