“Your anti-trans rhetoric makes me sick”: Margaret Cho attacks J.K. Rowling over anti-trans views

American comedian Margaret Cho launched a blistering tirade against author J.K. Rowling, accusing her of perpetuating “anti-trans rhetoric” and branding her “despicable”.

In a video posted to TikTok on 18 October, Cho, 56, donned a Trans Pride T-shirt and delivered a no-holds-barred critique of the Harry Potter author’s stance on gender identity. “Shut up, J.K. Rowling. Shut up. You’re a joke. That’s why your name is JK - because you are a joke,” Cho declared. “Your anti-trans rhetoric makes me sick. You are despicable.”

The comedian, known for her outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, went further, wishing Rowling would require gender-affirming care during menopause - a pointed jab at the author’s history of controversial comments on sex and gender. Cho’s remarks included graphic metaphors, which she used to underscore her anger and frustration with Rowling’s views.

Rowling, 60, has faced sustained backlash since 2020, when she began publicly expressing gender-critical opinions, including a widely criticised essay and social media posts that many interpreted as transphobic. Her stance has drawn condemnation from fans, activists, and even stars of the Harry Potter franchise, including Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint. 

Watson, in particular, has been vocal in her support for the trans community, stating in 2020: “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned.”