J.K. Rowling's involvement in new 'Harry Potter' TV series draws online criticism

The wizarding world of "Harry Potter" will live on in an upcoming TV adaptation, but the magic may get overshadowed by J.K. Rowling's past controversies.

Streaming service Max announced a new original "Harry Potter" TV series Wednesday, which will serve as a "faithful adaptation" of the book series by Rowling. The author will executive produce the decade-long series.

During a Q&A session following Max’s presentation, HBO CEO Casey Bloys was asked about Rowling's role in the series and the author's popularity among fans based on her controversial views on transgender people, widely criticized as transphobic. Bloys declined to discuss Rowling’s personal views. "I don’t think this is the forum," Bloys said. "That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into. Our priority is what’s on the screen."

Bloys' response to scrutiny of Rowling's public reception, coupled with the announcement of the series, has reignited criticism of the "Harry Potter" franchise’s legacy in the wake of Rowling’s anti-trans controversies.

Bloys added: "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 shared a press release announcing the new series on her official website but has not commented on the show further.

The author first made headlines in June 2020 with multiple posts online voicing opinions on the trans community that conflated sex with gender and defended ideas suggesting that changing one's biological sex threatens her own gender identity.

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People on social media criticize J.K. Rowling's involvement in new 'Harry Potter' series

Following the announcement of Max's "Harry Potter" series, fans expressed dissatisfaction with the series' endorsement of Rowling's work.

"The moral thing (for Max) to do would be to not contribute to that franchise’s hold over pop culture," Twitter user @dontblameklara wrote. "Especially not while (its) transphobic author is still using that platform to advocate against trans people just, like existing?”

"The terf wants more money and to erase daniel radcliffe's harry potter but she won't be able,” user @asavagegarden wrote of Rowling. "Anyone who supports this is siding with transphobes." An acronym for "trans exclusionary radical feminists," TERF refers to feminists who are transphobic.

"My harry potter says trans rights!" user @thebeepthemeep tweeted alongside a video of "Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe, who has previously spoken out against Rowling’s views.

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Over the years, the "Harry Potter" series has served as a source of comfort and empowerment for countless readers of all ages around the world, including members of the LGBTQ community. Rowling's views on the trans community have created a strained relationship for longtime queer fans.

"I'm scared to think about the people who might have loved 'Harry Potter' and thought about it the same way and then to see their idol come out and say that they're not worthy," transgender author Kacen Callender told USA TODAY in July 2020. "I do think that giving her any sort of platform is potentially life-threatening and dangerous."

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Other celebrities including Ricky Gervais, Dave Chappelle and Bette Midler have also faced scrutiny for their transphobic comments.

Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, executive director for The National Center for Transgender Equality, told USA TODAY last August that celebrities expressing anti-trans sentiments online and through their work can send a message that it's OK to target trans people in the real world.

"They don't seem to recognize the harm they can cause in the lives of people, whether they’re trans, a person of color or from a different culture," Heng-Lehtinen said. "Famous people have a decision to make about what ideas they will lift up and promote.”

Heng-Lehtinen concluded: "The stakes are high, but sometimes those who are unfamiliar with real transgender people can’t see or understand how harmful their words and actions are to these real people."

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Contributing: Bryan Alexander, Patrick Ryan, Hannah Yasharoff and Alia E. Dastagir, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: J.K. Rowling's involvement in new 'Harry Potter' series draws backlash