Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 31, 2025 · Entertainment

Boy George vs. JK Rowling: A Never-Ending Feud Over Trans Rights

Boy George, 63, has once again hit out at JK Rowling and insisted to Daily Mail that the pair will never agree or bury the hatchet amid their ongoing war over trans rights

BOY GEORGE UNLEASHES ON JK ROWLING: "SHE HATES MEN, NOT WOMEN"

The drama between Boy George and JK Rowling just won't die down! The 63-year-old Culture Club icon has once again lashed out at the Harry Potter author, this time accusing her of being a transphobic "heinous loser." And in a stunning revelation, he even revealed that he would choose Donald Trump over Rowling - yes, you read that right!

In an exclusive interview with The Scholarly Note, Boy George dished about his beef with Rowling, claiming that she's clueless when it comes to trans issues. "She doesn't know any trans people," he spat. "I do. I've known trans people since I was 16 years old. I even photographed April Ashley, the first woman to transition in this country." He added, "Everyone who talks about trans issues isn't trans. JK Rowling isn't trans. Does she even go to the toilet?"

The Culture Club icon has expressed support for transgender people online, alongside other stars such as  Pedro Pascal, who branded the Harry Potter author a 'heinous loser'

The tension between Boy George and Rowling has been building for months, with both stars trading barbs on social media. But it all started when Rowling expressed concerns about gender ideology and single-sex spaces - a move that was met with intense criticism from LGBTQ+ activists and several Harry Potter stars, including Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson.

Rowling, 59, has faced backlash for her comments, which some have branded transphobic. And Boy George isn't having it. "Her films are amazing," he said of the Harry Potter movies. "But let's be real, she didn't make them. She just sat back while other people did all the hard work." Ouch!

The drama between these two seems to know no bounds. Earlier this year, Boy George accused Rowling of hating men following her comments on trans women and single-sex spaces. Rowling fired back with an eye-rolling emoji and a retort that said she "lives in reality," where 98% of sexual assaults are committed by men.

George praised the 'amazing' movie versions of the author's wizarding novels, before pointing out her 'lack of involvement' in the films, which were adapted by other screenwriters

But Boy George wasn't having it. "Accusing me of hating men because I don't think trans women should be given access to all women-only spaces does rather suggest that... you're well aware that these are, in fact, men," he tweeted. Ouch!

So, what's behind this epic feud? Sources close to the two stars say it all started when Rowling expressed her concerns about trans issues - a move that Boy George and many others saw as transphobic. But for Rowling, it's about protecting single-sex spaces and keeping them safe for women.

As for Boy George, he's standing his ground. "I love America," he said in the interview. "I'm trying to get a visa, not leave." And when asked if he would rather choose Donald Trump over Rowling, he replied, "Yes, I'd pick Donald Trump any day."

He said: 'But remember she didn¿t make the films. a lot of brilliant people were in the films, like the actors, and everyone to do with it, it¿s just not about her'

But what about his past run-ins with the law? Back in 2019, Boy George was ordered to sweep up rubbish from the streets as part of his community service after pleading guilty to falsely reporting a burglary at his NYC apartment. And let's not forget his infamous arrest in New York - an incident that even he has said left him wanting to leave America for good.

Despite all this drama, Boy George says he still loves America and is trying to get a US visa. "My little mum would say, 'You love America, and they love you,'" he recalled. But will he ever be able to put the past behind him?

One thing's for sure: with these two stars still going at it, there's no end in sight to this epic feud. Stay tuned, folks!

He went on to claim: 'JK Rowling doesn¿t know any trans people, I do. Since I was 16-years-old I¿ve known trans people. I know people with trans kids'

Rowling, 59, has faced intense criticism from several stars of the Harry Potter films, including Daniel  Radcliffe (L) and Emma Watson (R) pictured with Rowling and Rupert Grint in 2011

Rowling hit out the singer after he said that she could not tell the difference between a transgender woman and a biological man

Boy George was responding to a tweet criticising Pedro Pascal. The actor (above) has been unequivocal in his support for transgender people (seen in the viral 'Protect the Dolls' t-shirt sold in support of trans rights)