John Lithgow Defends JK Rowling Amid Trans Controversy

John Lithgow is about to step into Albus Dumbledore’s robes for the \”Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone\” TV reboot, and he’s already wading into the JK Rowling drama. The legendary actor says the author’s trans comments have been \”twisted and misrepresented\” — even though he personally disagrees with a lot of what she’s said.

Here’s the tea: Lithgow isn’t exactly Team Rowling. He’s made it clear he has major issues with her statements on sex and gender. But he thinks the public backlash has gotten out of hand and that people are running with inaccurate versions of what she actually said.

This is a tricky position for Lithgow to stake out. Rowling’s comments about biological sex have sparked massive controversy in the Harry Potter fandom and beyond. Some fans have called for boycotts. Others have defended her right to speak her mind. Lithgow seems to be trying to split the difference — acknowledging her missteps while also saying the narrative around her has gotten twisted.

The actor’s comments are bound to reignite the debate that’s been simmering for years now. Fans who’ve sided with critics of Rowling likely won’t appreciate his defense of her, while those supportive of the author might feel vindicated by his remarks.