Judy Blume slams criticism for J.K. Rowling comments
Beloved children’s book author Judy Blume has said that the recent internet kerfuffle surrounding her comments about J.K. Rowling is “total bulls–t.”
It all started over the weekend, when Blume, 85, gave an interview to the Sunday Times. She was discussing her long career and the upcoming adaptation of her book, “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret,” starring Rachel McAdams.
Reporter Hadley Freeman also asked Blume about fellow popular children’s book author J.K. Rowling, 57, who has become a controversial figure for her views on the transgender community, for which Rowling has received death threats.
“I am behind her 100 percent as I watch from afar,” Blume stated.
Fans on Twitter reacted with outrage.
“I was REALLY disappointed…. I was worried that one of my biggest childhood influences might be a TERF,” one fan wrote, using the acronym for “trans-exclusionary radical feminist,” which is a common term for people holding Rowling’s beliefs.
Another fan said, “Ugh, waking up to find Judy Blume supporting Queen Terf, not a good start to the day.”
However, Blume has since spoken up via a statement on Twitter that she released on Sunday.
“I wholly support the trans community. My point, which was taken out of context, is that I can empathize with a writer — or person — who has been harassed online. I stand with the trans community and vehemently disagree with anyone who does not fully support equality and acceptance for LGBTQIA+ people. Anything to the contrary is total bulls–t,” Blume wrote.
Other fans defended Blume. “Judy Blume is 85 years old and not chronically online like all of you and I do not think for a second she’s a terf. It was literally a misunderstanding. Please stop,” one wrote.
Rowling has most recently ignited controversy for her involvement in the new “Harry Potter” TV show for Max (formerly known as HBO Max).
Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and Max content, defended her involvement.
“That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into,” he said. “Our priority is what’s on the screen. Obviously, the ‘Harry Potter’ story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance. That’s our priority — what’s on screen. [Rowling] will be involved. She’s an executive producer on the show. Her insights are going to be helpful on that.”
No release date or cast has been announced yet for the “Harry Potter” TV series.
The movie adaptation of “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret” hits theaters on April 28.
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