Rowling vs. Thompson: A Sardonic Showdown Over Sex Work Views
JK Rowling and Emma Thompson Trade Barbs Over Sex Work Comments
The wizarding world is abuzz with drama as JK Rowling, author of the beloved Harry Potter series, has fired back at Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson's comments about sex workers in a scathing online post. The exchange highlights the deep-seated differences between the two women, who have previously collaborated on screen.
Thompson, known for her iconic role as Professor Trelawney in the films, sparked controversy during a live Q&A session for her 2022 film Good Luck to You. When asked about sex and health, she made some eyebrow-raising remarks, stating that sex should be recommended by the NHS (National Health Service) because it's essential for overall well-being.
"I think what Emma was trying to say is that sex is a fundamental human need," said an insider close to the actress. "But the way she phrased it came across as tone-deaf and insensitive."
Thompson went on to admit that some of her friends have hired escorts, which only added fuel to the fire. Many took to social media to express their disappointment and outrage at Thompson's comments.
Not one to keep quiet, JK Rowling fired back with a sarcastic tweet, mocking Thompson's views on sex work. "It's funny how you never hear, 'we're so delighted – Tatiana got straight As, so now she's trying to choose between law, medicine, and prostitution!'" Rowling quipped.
The Harry Potter author continued her attack, highlighting the stark contrast between Thompson's privileged upbringing and the harsh realities faced by many sex workers. "I'm going out on a limb here, but I suspect most sex workers didn't have the life choices available to a Cambridge-educated actress raised in Hampstead," she wrote.
When one user called Rowling out for looking down on sex workers, she responded with a scathing rebuke. "When did you last meet someone who was trafficked into accountancy? In your experience, do an unusually high number of addicts and abuse survivors tend to become plumbers?" Rowling asked.
The exchange is the latest in a long line of public feuds between Rowling and some members of the Harry Potter franchise. As we previously reported on The Scholarly Note, Rowling has been at odds with several cast members over her views on transgender rights.
In 2019, Thompson signed an open letter supporting trans rights in Scotland, while Rowling has been a vocal advocate for "gender-critical" views. The author has faced widespread criticism for her stance, including from Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, who have all spoken out against her.
The feud between Rowling and some of the franchise's stars is not limited to Thompson alone. Sean Biggerstaff, who played Oliver Wood in three films, recently savaged Rowling on social media, calling her an "obsessed billionaire" and "bigoted" for her views on transgender rights.
Biggerstaff's comments came after Rowling celebrated the Supreme Court's landmark judgment that trans women are not legally women. The author was accused of being insensitive and tone-deaf once again, sparking outrage among fans and critics alike.
As The Scholarly Note reported earlier this month, Rowling's celebration was met with widespread protests, with many calling for her to be held accountable for her views.
In the midst of all this drama, it seems that Rowling has not lost her sense of humor – or at least, she thinks so. When accused of smoking a cigar on her $150 million superyacht in celebration of the Supreme Court ruling, she hit back on social media, claiming it was "objectively, provably and demonstratively a cigar."
But Biggerstaff wasn't having it, responding with a witty remark that left many in stitches. "Bigotry rots the wit," he quipped.
The exchange between Rowling and Thompson is just the latest chapter in a long-running saga of controversy and drama within the Harry Potter franchise. As fans continue to debate and discuss the issues at hand, one thing is clear: this feud is far from over.
