Children’s author Judy Blume issued a clarification after vocalizing her support of “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling.
In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, Blume, 85, spoke highly of Rowling.
“Yes, children are so used to superheroes now, aren’t they?” she said. “Even in JK Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter’ books the kids are magic, and I love those, I say.”
She continued to express her love for Rowling and said she is “behind her 100 per cent (sic) as I watch from afar.”
Interviewer Hadley Freeman wrote Blume’s comments were “referring to the criticism Rowling received for speaking up in defense of women’s sex-based rights,” per the Hollywood Reporter.
Blume took to Twitter to clarify her stance on the topic.
Blume issued an apology and expressed her support for the transgender 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,” she wrote.
— Judy Blume (@judyblume) April 16, 2023
In 2020, Rowling received backlash following controversial tweets she posted in support of biological women.
“I respect every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them. I’d march with you if you were discriminated against on the basis of being trans. At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female,” she wrote.
Rowling added, “I do not believe it’s hateful to say so.”
