Stephen Fry slams J.K. Rowling for 'inflammatory and contemptuous' transphobic rhetoric
Stephen Fry is changing his tune when it comes to J.K. Rowling.
The comedian recently spoke about his (former?) friend during a live recording of The Show People Podcast in London, expressing a far different sentiment from one that left people divided several years earlier.
"She has been radicalised, I fear," he said. "And it may be because she has been radicalised by TERFs, but also by the vitriol that is thrown at her."
Back in 2022, Fry caused waves when he admitted he didn't want to get involved in the debate between Rowling, who he considered a friend, and trans activists, while lamenting that "each side looks on the other as an enemy."
"[Rowling's] a friend of mine, and I have trans friends and intersex friends who are deeply upset by her," he said at the time. "That's a circle I have to square personally. I'm not going to abandon my friends."
It's unclear whether more has happened to come between him and Rowling since he first made that statement, or if he's simply dismayed with her online behavior and constant attacks against the trans community. During The Show People Podcast recording, he did reiterate that he doesn't think criticizing Rowling for her views will do anything but "continue to harden her," but acknowledged that she deserves to be called out for saying "things that are really cruel, wrong, and mocking."
— (@)
x.com
"She says things that are inflammatory and contemptuous, mocking and add to a terribly distressing time for trans people," he said. "When it comes to the transphobia issue, it is right to remind people that trans people are here and that they are hurting. They are being abominably treated. There's a great deal of bullying, violence, suicide and genuine agony in the trans community."
"I am sorry because I always liked her company,' Fry added. 'I found her charming, funny and interesting and then this thing happened and it completely altered the way she talks and engages with the world now."
This article originally appeared on Pride: Stephen Fry slams J.K. Rowling for 'inflammatory and contemptuous' transphobic rhetoric
Stephen Fry (@stephenfryactually) • Instagram photos and videos
Stephen Fry - Wikipedia
34 same-sex couples who don't mind the age gap
'Harry Potter' star Tom Felton's pathetic take on JK Rowling's transphobia is peak cis privilege
J.K. Rowling slammed over latest pathetic dig at 'Harry Potter' actors
J.K. Rowling's nasty reaction to learning asexuals exist has the internet roasting
These are the 'Harry Potter' actors defending (or criticizing) JK Rowling
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Jon Bernthal Joins Tom Holland in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day'
Jon Bernthal has appeared in several Marvel television series as the stone-cold vigilante known as the Punisher, even headlining his own series. Now he's taking his guns to the big screen. More from The Hollywood Reporter Abigail Breslin, Booboo Stewart to Star in Dramedy Movie 'A Good Fight' (Exclusive) Steven Spielberg Thought 'Jaws' "Would Be the Last Movie I Would Ever Be Given to Direct" How Prime Video Gives Cord-Cutters One-Stop Access to Apple TV+, HBO Max, Paramount+ and More Bernthal has joined Tom Holland in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the latest Spider-Man movie from Sony and Marvel. Destin Daniel Cretton is directing the feature, which will shoot in England this summer and has a July 31, 2026, release date. Much of the movie remains shrouded in mystery. Movie rumor websites have listed upwards of a dozen possible villains, from crime bosses to alien symbiotes, who could appear in the feature, as well as a couple of different versions of the Hulk. The only thing clear at this stage is that Zendaya and Jacob Batalon are reprising their roles as MJ and best friend Ned, although how substantial those roles will be remains unclear. And Stranger Things star Sadie Sink is the big new addition so far. The story takes place after the events of the previous movie, Spider-Man: No Way Home, in which the entire world knew Peter Parker was Spider-Man and then had that knowledge erased. Having Bernthal as the Punisher seems to point to a slightly more grounded angle on the story as the character hails from the gritty street corner of Marvel's universe and, in the comics at least, uses fists, knives and guns to tussle with bad guys, rather than spells or fancy tech. But hey, having him square off against a rampaging Hulk could be fun, too. Bernthal first showed up as vigilante Frank Castle, aka the Punisher, in Marvel's Daredevil Netflix series, then starred in his own series that ran for two seasons. He recently returned for a few episodes in Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+. Marvel is betting on more Punisher and Bernthal in the months and years to come. The character is set to return for season two of Born Again and Marvel is bringing Bernthal back for a Punisher stand-alone feature for Disney+. Bernthal is co-writing the latter. Curiously, one nonnegotiable he had for his return to Daredevil was maintaining the character's violent, R-rated feel. It will be interesting to see how that translates into the more kid-friendly tone of the Spider-Man movies. Bernthal and Holland have a charmed history together when it comes to Marvel. The duo were working on the 2017 feature Pilgrimage when prepping to audition for their Marvel roles. The actors helped each other with their audition tapes. This year, Bernthal's big-screen output has included starring opposite Ben Affleck in The Accountant 2 for Amazon and appearing in the Rami Malek thriller The Amateur for 20th Century Fox. Bernthal is repped by CAA and Sloane Offer. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Wes Anderson's Movies Ranked From Worst to Best 13 of Tom Cruise's Most Jaw-Dropping Stunts Hollywood Stars Who Are One Award Away From an EGOT
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Babyshambles guitarist Patrick Walden dies aged 46
Former Babyshambles star Patrick Walden has died aged 46. The guitarist - who starred in the British rock band alongside Pete Doherty, Drew McConnell, Mick Whitnall and Adam Ficek - has passed away, with the news being announced via Babyshambles' official Facebook page. A statement from the band read: "It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden's death. "We feel very fortunate to have known, loved and worked with him and we kindly ask for respect and privacy during these difficult times. "Peter, Drew, Mik, Adam. (sic)" Patrick performed in a variety of bands - including Fluid, the Six Cold Thousand, and The White Sport - before he joined Babyshambles back in 2003. The rock group - who were formed by Pete during a hiatus from the Libertines - released three albums together, including Down in Albion in 2005, Shotter's Nation in 2007 and Sequel to the Prequel in 2013. The Libertines re-formed in 2014, but Babyshambles continued to perform sporadic shows and festivals throughout that year. In 2024, Pete revealed that a Babyshambles reunion was in the works. The 46-year-old musician admitted that the band were hoping to reunite to mark the 20th anniversary of their debut album. Pete - who was well-known for his turbulent personal life during his time in Babyshambles - told NME at the time: "It is on the cards. We will get back together and get in a room with the instruments and play through the old songs, then get on stage and do it. "But it's the who and the when that needs to be worked out. I think we'll just keep that one on the horizon and deal with that one next year." Meanwhile, Patrick also worked as a live guitarist and as a session musician for a number of well-known artists, including James Blunt and Whitey.
Geek Tyrant
2 hours ago
- Geek Tyrant
Jon Bernthal's Punisher Officially Joins SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY! — GeekTyrant
Jon Bernthal is officially bringing the Punisher into Spider-Man: Brand New Day ! The next installment in Tom Holland's Spidey saga. Frank Castle is actually stepping into the Sony/Marvel Spider-Verse, and this is for real, and it's awesome! The film, which begins shooting this summer in England, will be directed by Shang-Chi 's Destin Daniel Cretton and is set to hit theaters July 31, 2026. Zendaya and Jacob Batalon are expected to return as MJ and Ned, and Stranger Things breakout Sadie Sink has joined the cast in an undisclosed role. The story picks up after the reality-resetting events of No Way Home , where no one remembers Peter Parker is Spider-Man. That gives the narrative a clean slate, and apparently a perfect window to drop in Marvel's most brutal antihero. Bernthal's take on Frank Castle was first introduced in Netflix's Daredevil series and later spun off into The Punisher . He recently returned in Disney+'s Daredevil: Born Again, and not only is he starring in Season 2—he's also co-writing a solo Punisher special. So yeah, the man is in. This new crossover has been years in the making, even if unintentionally. Bernthal and Tom Holland actually helped each other score their Marvel gigs while working together on the 2017 film Pilgrimage. Bernthal told Jimmy Kimmel Live: 'We did a film about seven or eight years ago. That was where both Tom did his audition for Spider-Man and I did my audition for Punisher. We actually made each other's audition tapes on that film.' He even had a hand in giving Holland some iconic Spider-Man flair: 'I gave him the note, 'Tom, maybe you should run up that wall and do a double backflip and then start the scene.' And he was like, 'Yeah, you think I should do that? That's not too much?' I was like, 'I don't think any of these other fools are able to do that,' and he in fact did that.' Now, after years of parallel stories, they're finally sharing the screen in the MCU. With Peter navigating a world that doesn't know who he is, and Castle never caring much for red tape, the dynamic between these two could be explosive. We don't know exactly how the Punisher will fit into Brand New Day , but I can't wait to see how this comes together! One's a neighborhood-friendly hero trying to stay under the radar. The other's a walking storm of gunpowder and grief. Whatever happens, it won't be boring. Source: Deadline
