J.K. Rowling arrives for the world premiere of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore in London on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. (AP Photo)
Author J.K. Rowling has reacted to the Vancouver Board of Parks’ recent apology connected to an upcoming Harry Potter event in Stanley Park. The British writer said the decision to disavow her work did not bother her, adding that she found the gesture more amusing than upsetting.
On Tuesday, the park board voted unanimously to apologize for hosting Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience, which opens on November 7. The vote came after concerns from the city’s 2SLGBTQ+ Advisory Committee, who said Rowling’s public comments on transgender issues have been hurtful to the community.
Rowling Responds with Humour
Rowling shared a screenshot of park board commissioner Tom Digby’s remarks online, which stated that the board had officially disavowed her due to her views on gender and politics.
The author responded by saying she hadn’t realized she was ever “avowed” in the first place. She joked that she would be happy to receive a “certificate of avowal,” which she would frame, hang above her computer, and take a selfie with.
Rowling wrote that the board’s decision wasn’t “much of a blow,” suggesting she found the entire situation more entertaining than offensive.
Board Explains Its Decision
Commissioner Tom Digby, who introduced the motion, said the apology was an act of solidarity with transgender and gender-diverse residents. He explained that it was meant to “show where the board stands about the lives and rights of transgender, gender-diverse and two-spirit people in Vancouver.”
Digby said the goal was to acknowledge the harm caused by supporting an event linked to Rowling’s name and to make clear that the board does not share her political views.
The Event at the Centre of Debate
The Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is an interactive outdoor attraction inspired by the world of Harry Potter. It features illuminated pathways, themed sets, and props from the series. The event has toured several countries and is scheduled to run in Vancouver’s Stanley Park throughout the winter.
Although the park board does not directly host the event, the use of park land for it led to criticism from members of the community. They argued that hosting a Harry Potter-themed experience could be seen as supporting Rowling, whose remarks about gender identity have drawn controversy.
Divided Reactions
The apology sparked a wide range of reactions online. Some praised the park board for taking a stand in support of transgender people, while others argued that the decision was unnecessary or overly political.
For her part, Rowling appeared unfazed. Her sarcastic response gained thousands of reactions from supporters and critics alike, showing how deeply divided public opinion remains over her comments on gender issues.
