Hogwarts Legacy controversy: J.K. Rowling's transphobia sparks boycott calls
Avalanche Software's "Hogwarts Legacy," set to be released on February 10, 2023, is published by Warner Bros. The game, which takes place in the Wizarding World, has sparked debate due to J.K. Rowling's activism against transgender rights that started in October 2017. Rowling has engaged in actions such as endorsing tweets opposing the Gender Recognition Act and defending transphobic remarks. Numerous actors from the Harry Potter franchise, including Daniel Radcliffe, have distanced themselves from her views. While Warner Bros. has asserted that Rowling was not part of the game's development, she continues to earn from it. The game has garnered favorable reviews, yet discussions on ResetEra are prohibited, and LGBTQIA+ groups are calling for a boycott. Former lead designer Troy Leavitt stepped down amid scrutiny over his far-right YouTube past.
Key facts
- Hogwarts Legacy releases February 10, 2023, developed by Avalanche Software and published by Warner Bros.
- J.K. Rowling's transphobic activism began in October 2017 with a liked tweet opposing Gender Recognition Act reform.
- In March 2018, Rowling liked a tweet calling trans women 'men in dresses'; her spokespeople said it was accidental.
- Rowling defended Maya Forstater in December 2019 after Forstater lost her job over transphobic comments.
- In June 2020, Rowling criticized the phrase 'people who menstruate' and wrote a long anti-trans manifesto.
- U.S. Senator James Lankford cited Rowling's manifesto to justify voting against an anti-LGBTQ+ law in 2020.
- Daniel Radcliffe and other Harry Potter actors publicly distanced themselves from Rowling.
- Bloomberg reported unease among Hogwarts Legacy developers over Rowling's views.
- Warner Bros. clarified Rowling was not involved in the game's development.
- ResetEra banned discussion of Hogwarts Legacy; major outlets limited coverage; streamers like Hasan Abi expressed doubts.
- Former lead game designer Troy Leavitt had a far-right YouTube history supporting GamerGate; he resigned.
- The game's goblin rebellion plot is criticized as antisemitic; Gringotts bank features a Star of David in films.
Entities
Artists
- J.K. Rowling
- Daniel Radcliffe
- Maya Forstater
- James Lankford
- Caroline Farrow
- Hasan Abi
- Troy Leavitt
- Liam Robertson
Institutions
- Avalanche Software
- Warner Bros.
- Bloomberg
- ResetEra
- Twitch
- Harry Potter
- Fantastic Beasts
- GamerGate
- TERF
- Gender Recognition Act
- Artribune
Locations
- United Kingdom
- United States