Two cheers, not the same kind

J.K. Rowling publicly welcomed the International Olympic Committee decision to limit eligibility in female categories to biological females, and soon afterward offered praise for HBO’s new Harry Potter series. The close timing of the two responses drew attention because Rowling has a long history of criticizing transgender inclusion in women’s sports.

What she said about the IOC

On X, Rowling called the IOC ruling a "welcome return to fair sport for women and girls." She referenced the Paris 2024 boxing match in which Algeria’s Imane Khelif defeated Italy’s Angela Carini quickly, and pointed to images of Carini in tears being consoled as part of her broader critique.

The IOC announced on March 26 that eligibility for any female category event at the Olympic Games or other IOC events would be limited to biological females. The organization said that athletes competing in the women's category must be listed as female in their passports and must comply with the competition eligibility rules.

Background on the boxing controversy

Imane Khelif, who was allowed to compete in the women's boxing tournament, had been disqualified from the Women's World Championships a year earlier after failing a gender eligibility test tied to elevated testosterone levels. The Paris match that drew criticism showed Carini leaving the ring in tears while Khelif remained on the mat, a moment that Rowling and others cited when arguing for changes to eligibility rules.

Rowlings record and reactions

Rowling has publicly opposed the participation of transgender women in women's sports since 2017 and has engaged in a public spat with a late night host over the topic. She called one critic an "undoubtedly intelligent person" who nevertheless "spouts absolute bullshit" after that host said there is no evidence that transgender athletes threaten safety or fairness.

Then she praised HBO's Harry Potter series

About 20 minutes after her message about the IOC, Rowling responded to a fan about HBO's upcoming Harry Potter show. She said, "Its going to be incredible. I'm so happy with it." She has been involved in the series development and served as a consultant during production.

Quick timeline

  • Paris 2024 boxing match between Imane Khelif and Angela Carini drew public attention due to the result and images of Carini in distress.
  • Khelif had earlier been disqualified from a world event after failing a gender eligibility test tied to testosterone levels.
  • On March 26 the IOC announced that eligibility for female categories at Olympic events will be limited to biological females.
  • Rowling praised the IOC ruling on X and then, roughly 20 minutes later, praised HBO's Harry Potter reboot, which she consulted on.

The back-to-back messages underscore the contrast between Rowling's continued involvement in the Harry Potter franchise and her persistent, public opposition to transgender women competing in female sporting categories.