JK Rowling hits back at Stephen Fry and says she and the Harry Potter narrator were NEVER even friends
JK Rowling has hit back at Sir Stephen Fry after the Harry Potter narrator accused her of being 'radicalised by TERFs' - claiming the two were never even friends.
Fry, 67, previously branded the author a 'friend of mine', adding he did not plan to 'abandon' friendships despite his trans pals being 'deeply upset' by Rowling.
But this month Fry turned on the Harry Potter creator as he branded her a 'lost cause' and accused her of being 'radicalised by TERFs' while recording podcast The Show People.
Following the remarks, British barrister Jo Maugham echoed Fry's claim that he and Rowling were friends as he wrote on X: 'Really creditable this, from Stephen Fry. I've spoken to so many of JKR's once friends who now despair at her privately but won't do so publicly, which is very much the British way and why nothing ever changes for the better. So well done Stephen.'
But in response to the post, Rowling savagely shut down any suggestion that she and Fry were ever close, even if he thought they were.
'It is a great mistake to assume that everyone who claims to have been a friend of mine was ever considered a friend by me,' she replied on X.
Comedian and TV presenter Fry previously told how he used to have dinner regularly with the author and described her views towards the trans community as 'strange'.
During The Show People this month Fry, who is himself gay, said: 'She has been radicalised I fear and it may be she has been radicalised by TERFs, but also by the vitriol that is thrown at her.
'It is unhelpful and only hardens her and will only continue to harden her I am afraid. I am not saying that she not be called out when she says things that are really cruel, wrong and mocking. She seems to be a lost cause for us.'
Fry recorded audio books for all seven of the Harry Potter series, but has now turned his back on the author, accusing her of 'mocking' LGBT+ people and insisting he supports the trans community.
He said: 'She started to make these peculiar statements and had very strong difficult views. She seemed to wake up or kick a hornet's nest of transphobia which has been entirely destructive.
'I disagree profoundly with her on this subject. I am angry she does not disavow some of the more revolting and truly horrible, destructive violently destructive things that people say. She does not attack those at all.
Fry said he was sad to speak out against her, adding: 'I am sorry because I always liked her company. I found her charming, funny and interesting'
'She says things that are inflammatory and contemptuous, mocking and add to a terribly distressing time for trans people.
'She has crowed at the success of legislation in Scotland and elsewhere declaring things about gender.
'So I am very happy to go on the record to say that I am really angry about that. My view about all things of sharp and difficult nature is that is is much more important to be effective than to be right.'
Fry, who has until recently not spoken openly about the row, explained that he had previously got on well with the author.
'I am sorry because I always liked her company. 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,' he said.
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The rooms' lavish furnishings are an array of silk wall coverings, chandeliers, wood panelling, chinoiserie and painted ceilings, with many rooms offering Grand Canal views. The Aman also contains stunning apartments which can be accessed via private lifts, and can accommodate up to six guests per stay. The Aman is nothing short of a supreme luxury experience with its rooms costing between around £2000 to £3000 per night. Equally lush is Hotel Cipriani, where the soon-to-be husband and their guests will also celebrate the wedding. The iconic Venice hotel boasts a world class experience for its guests, including luxury antiques, Michelin-starred dining and breathtaking views across the water. An 'Olympic-inspired' swimming pool is an added luxury touch while its surrounding lush gardens provide incredible some of the best greenery that Venice has to offer. Guests can also expect a heated swimming pool, a wellness centre, tennis court an private marina. Similarly a night at the lavish residence will set you back over £2000, with some rooms going for as high as over £4000. THE SECURITY AND PROTESTS The wedding of the year - projected to cost just short of $50 million - is currently still forging ahead despite a major setback threatening to thwart the location of the glamorous ceremony. The worlds third richest person and his soon-to-be wife, Lauren Sanchez, have been forced to change one of the venues of their extravagant Venice wedding because of 'rising global tensions' it was reported today. The nuptials have already attracted huge controversy with protests planned by locals angry at the couple for 'taking over the city' for the planned three day festivities. A team of former US marines has already been hired to provide security for the event by Bezos, which is due to take place over three days from June 26 in the iconic lagoon city. Local newspaper Il Gazzettino have also stated that the days leading up to the wedding would be 'tension filled' and the move to the venue was due to it being 'easier to control' as large scale protests are expected. But they also added 'the winds of war and rising global tensions between the US and Iran' were also being taken into consideration - there is a large American airbase at Aviano just 50 miles away. Tomorrow a meeting is due to take place between local authorities, police and security teams to discuss the wedding which has been greeted with fury by many Venetians. Meanwhile on Monday Greenpeace activists unfurled a huge banner in St Mark's Square, the iconic heart of Venice protesting against the wedding. It showed an image of Bezos face and the slogan: 'If you can rent Venice for your wedding then you can pay more tax.' Activists from British group 'Everyone Hates Elon' were also involved and said they had carried it out to highlight the 'environmental and social injustice of the wedding'. WEDDING FAVOURS And now, it's been revealed to the Daily Mail by a source in Italy that each guest will be receiving hand-blown glassware by local glassmaker Laguna B Along with a luxurious venue, personal transport and stunning accommodation, Bezos and Sanchez will also be treating their guests to an array of wedding favours. Local bakery Rosa Salva Venetia - thought to be the oldest pastry business in Venice - will be providing an array of tasty treats for the extravagant weekend. The delicious menu items at the bakery include tiramisu, flaky, cream-filled pastries, and fritelli, a traditional Italian fried treat. The company have been commissioned to create baked treats for around 200 goody bags. However, Rosa Salva Venetia will not be providing the wedding cake for the loved-up couple. Venetian design company Laguna B, known for their artisanal blown glass creations, has been contracted for services in relation to the wedding. A source in Italy also revealed to the Daily Mail that that each guest will be receiving hand-blown glassware by local glassmaker Laguna B. The glassware company was originally created by Marie Brandolini, who left New York in 1988 to live in Venice. Her idea came about after her stepfather gave her a goti de fornasa - a traditional drinking glass crafted by Murano glassmakers - which inspired her to make her own, putting her own spin on it to create something 'new and personal.' Her son later took over the business after she passed in 2013, per Vogue. The handmade glassware features bright colors, stripes, and floral details. All of the glasses have different motifs and designs, with one large-size cup running customers $167. The handmade glassware are not the only things that guests will be coming back home with. The insider told Daily Mail that a wedding planner who is not working this event has heard that guests will receive other 'opulent' gifts for attending. It's unclear what those other gifts will be, but Sanchez is known to be a fan of fun designer purses, like the $5,750 Balenciaga 9AM Coffee Cup Clutch Bag, which she was seen carrying in March. Guests were told last month that Sanchez and Bezos quietly donated to Venetian charities in honour of their guests in April, making donations in their name as a gift. This is so that 'Venice will continue to inspire wonder for generations to come,' sources told PageSix. THE DRESS As per tradition, the detail's of Lauren's wedding dress - or perhaps more likely, dresses (plural) - will be kept under wraps until the big day. However, eagle-eyed fashion pros will know that the 55-year-old is a big fan of Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta and Elie Saab. If she were to go for the former - a likely prediction, given Lauren's attending the Italian house's Alta Moda show in Sardinia last summer as her son Nikko Gonzalez walked the runway - it is possible that she would be leaning into the brand's elegant and elevated aesthetic. It has become a go-to wedding choice for many an A-lister, from reality show stars to royalty. In 2022, Kourtney Kardashian donned a lace and satin corseted mini-dress by the designer to marry Travis Barker in Portofino. Elsewhere, Dolce last year spoke about curating Princess Diana's niece Lady Kitty Spencer's 2021 bridal gown; and the importance of incorporating a love for the regal feel of the Italian designer into an individual's frock. 'One of the inspirations is definitely her love for Italy. Kitty is in love with our beautiful country and its rich history, art and culture,' Domenico Dolce told Tatler. Lauren pictured sporting yet another daring ensemble at a Dolce & Gabbana fashion show in Sardinia However, when it comes to Lauren's fashion history, she has favoured the brand's more sultry, romantic ensembles with shoulderless necklines and figure-hugging silhouettes. Pictured in 2023 It has become a go-to wedding choice for many an A-lister, from reality show stars to royalty. Kourtney Kardashian pictured in a Dole wedding dress 'But she is also a girl who is very attached to her origins, to England; to her heritage of the great Victorian era,' Stefano Gabbana added. 'And like all the English people, she has a great passion for all kinds of flowers.' However, when it comes to Lauren's fashion history, she has favoured the brand's more sultry, romantic ensembles with shoulderless necklines and figure-hugging silhouettes. Another beloved designer, Oscar de la Renta - donned by Lauren at the Met Gala - could prove to be an option, having been behind bridal looks for VIPs such as Amal Clooney, Kate Bosworth, and Paris Hilton. The designer's spring 2026 bridal collection features a flurry of floral ivory gowns, emblematic of the brand's affinity for nature-inspired aesthetics. Lauren may choose to go for its 'Look 1' option, with flowing lace and tulle reminiscent of a butterfly's wing or 'Look 3', keeping in line with her penchant for a sleeveless sweetheart neckline. Elie Saab has too proven to be another sartorial inspiration for Lauren over the years. She has sported its designs for events including red carpets and serious journalism award ceremonies alike. The bridal collection for Spring 2026 features a myriad of ensembles which may mesh with Lauren's style. 'Look 4', going for $11,100 on the site, includes an experimental all-lace skirt that the journalist has sported before, while 'Look 3', for $11,600 online, features a carefully structured silhouette Lauren is known to be fond of. Another beloved designer, Oscar de la Renta - donned by Lauren at the Met Gala - could prove to be an option, having been behind bridal looks for VIPs such as Amal Clooney, Kate Bosworth, and Paris Hilton Lauren pictured wearing Oscar de la Renta at the Met Gala. It may well be the designer she chooses for her wedding Lauren may choose to go for its 'Look 1' option (pictured), with flowing lace and tulle reminiscent of a butterfly's wing She may also like 'Look 3' (pictured), keeping in line with her penchant for a sleeveless sweetheart neckline The bridal collection for Spring 2026 features a myriad of ensembles which may mesh with Lauren's style Lauren Sánchez looked like she was ready to walk down the aisle as she appeared at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars party on Sunday night on the arm of her fiancé, Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos In another set of photos, the star posed with Bezos, as she lovingly locked arms with the businessman, who was black velvet suit She's also been wearing white more than ever, as she donned a two-piece, plunging white Alexander McQueen pants suit to Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20 Others have speculated fashion royalty like Vera Wang, Sarah Burton or Dior's most recent creative director, Jonathan Anderson, may be at the helm of Lauren's looks. 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After a star-studded hen party in Paris attended by the likes of Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner, Lauren's posse of female pals is sure to add a sprinkling of glamour to the event. And among the relatively modest figure of 200, close friends and family will be a priority for both Sanchez and Bezos. The couple have a total of seven children from previous relationships - Bezos from his marriage to Mackenzie Scott and Sanchez with Patrick Whitesell and Tony Gonzalez. But it's the sprinkling of stardom that will likely turn heads in Venice this weekend that will turn heads among locals and draw in the eyes of the world... Oprah Winfrey 71-year-old Oprah Winfrey (seen at the Tony Awards in June) is reportedly making an appearance at the star-studded wedding American talk-show host Oprah Winfrey will reportedly make an appearance at the Amazon founder's wedding to Lauren, TMZ reported. The 71-year-old has partied with the couple on various occasions, including at a glamorous 2023 Beverly Hills party in the home of talent agent turned investor Michael Kives and his wife Lydia. That same year, the trio enjoyed lunch with Gayle Kingaboard while onboard Jeff's $500 million superyacht in Capri. Eva Longoria Close friend to Lauren Sanchez, Eva Longoria is also rumoured to be attending the wedding (seen together in Los Angeles in August, 2024) Actress Eva Longoria of Desperate Housewives' fame is also rumoured to be on the guest-list. According to TMZ, Eva, 50, is among the A-Listers who will watch the couple tie the knot in the Italian sunshine. She was also one of the lucky few who attended Lauren's bachelorette party earlier this year. When asked about the festivities, which were also attended by Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner and Katy Perry, the actress spoke excitedly about the whirlwind trip. 'I had to pop in and out, so I wasn't there as long,' the Desperate Housewives star told People at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. 'But yeah, it's so nice to celebrate love.' She continued: 'It's just the best feeling in the world to be there and go, 'Yay, love.'' Mick Jagger Pictured: Mick Jagger, Melanie Hamrick, Lauren Sanchez, and Jeff Bezos at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles in March Rumours are swirling that 81-year-old rock legend Mick Jagger is on the guestlist for the upcoming nuptials, according to the New York Times via Forbes. Earlier this year, Mick seemed on close terms with the couple, and warmly embraced Lauren at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party, held at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills. At the glitzy event in March, Jeff stood next to his soon-to-be wife as she hugged the Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. The rocker looked impressed with Lauren's Oscar night gown and opened his mouth as she appeared, even though he had as his date, Melanie Hamrick, 37, close by. Jay-Z & Beyoncé Power couple Jay Z and Beyoncé (seen at the Mufasa: The Lion King film premiere in Los Angeles in December, 2024) are also reportedly set to appear Jay-Z and Beyoncé, arguably the music's industry's most prominent power couple, are also reported to be on the wedding guest list, according to the New York Times via Forbes. Both couples appear to be on friendly terms, and in 2021, the musically talented couple enjoyed some time away on Bezos's yacht. Beyonce and Jay-Z were spotted enjoying themselves while relaxing off the coast of Ponza, Italy, in September that year. Then in March this year, Jeff and Lauren also took to Beyoncé and Jay-Z's Oscars afterparty at LA's Chateau Marmont. Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg Billionaire businessman Barry Diller is said to be attending the event with his wife Diane von Furstenberg (seen at the 2024 Met Gala) TMZ's sources have also claimed that billionaire businessman Barry Diller, 84, will be in attendance at the event. It's thought that his fashion designer wife, Diane von Furstenberg, 78, will also be in attendance. The couple recently made headlines in May after Barry came out as gay - but he insisted that he enjoys a full sexual relationship with his wife. Gayle King TV personality Gayle King (seen earlier this month in New York) is also rumoured to be on the guest list Lauren's fellow Blue Origin crew member Gayle King is also said to be attending the star-studded nuptials. The pair seem to enjoy a close friendship, and before their mission Sanchez posted a video call to her Instagram where they talked about their voyage into space, with Gayle admitting she was 'nervous.' Elsewhere, the 70-year old American TV personality is typically known for being Oprah Winfrey's right-hand woman. Kim Kardashian Kim Kardashian and her mother Kris Jenner were both at the bride's bachelorette celebration in Paris Kim Kardashian, 44, has been a steadfast presence in Lauren's inner circle for years, offering consistent support through DMs and lavish joint outings. Lauren and Kim's friendship formed in a rather unconventional way - as the two bonded after they became embroiled in a bidding war over a Balenciaga gown. Years ago, during New York Fashion Week, the two stunners realized they were both going after the same clothing item during an auction at the Kering Foundations' Caring for Women dinner. Both of them were offered gowns in the end, and they jetted off to France together to get fitted - and it was there that their bond really kicked off. Kris Jenner Lauren has formed an elite girl squad over the years, which consists of top businesswomen, actors, singers, and models Kim isn't the only member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan thought to be on the guest list. It's believed Lauren and Kris, 69, have cultivated a family-like friendship. The pair grew close when Kris joined Kim and Lauren at one of Beyoncé's concerts on the Renaissance tour in 2023. Elsa Marie Collins Elsa Marie Collins, 45, seems to be one of Lauren's closest friends, as they often travel together Thought to be one of Lauren's closest friends, as they often travel together, 45-year-old Elsa Marie is the co‑founder of the nonprofit This is About Humanity, an organization dedicated to 'raising awareness and funds for separated and reunified families at the US/Mexico border.' Elsa, who is married to former NBA star Jarron Collins, previously revealed to Vogue that Lauren donated $1 million to her organization. 'Lauren wakes up thinking about how to help people,' she gushed. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are reported to be on the guest list - but Ivanka's father President Trump is not thought to be attending The daughter of the US president is among those on the guest list. Ivanka, 43, will be accompanied by her husband Jared Kushner, 44. However, it's thought Donald Trump will not be attending, neither will his wife Melania.
