Stephen King is no stranger to tweeting out terrifying things, but this might take the cake for the one that leaves the most people with a knot in their stomach.
The famed horror author took to Twitter this week to praise J.K. Rowling‘s latest book and commend her skills as an author, saying:
“TROUBLED BLOOD is as good or better than the other Cormoran Strike/Robin Ellicott novels. J. K. Rowling is a wonderful storyteller and a gifted stylist. I’m loving this one.”
A while ago, this seemingly innocuous tweet wouldn’t be a big deal at all. It’s just one bestselling writer complimenting another. Recent events, however, have prompted a firestorm centred around the post. Comments from fans are ranging from disappointed to downright disgusted due to Rowling’s unabashed transphobia over the past several months.
The novelist has been slammed by many big names this year, including (but not limited to) the stars of the franchise she invented. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have each vocalized their strong disapproval of the harmful stances on the transgender community that the Harry Potter creator has repeatedly shared with the world. And it’s not hard to see where they’re coming from.
Not every reaction to her views has been negative, though. Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in the Potter films, has voiced his support for the writer and apparently, now King is doing so as well.
Of course, it’s difficult to see his praise of the 55-year-old’s latest work as anything other than a stamp of approval, especially considering the fact that her book features a trans serial killer. No matter how great her “storytelling” might be, this plot choice seems like a deliberate decision to quadruple down on her bigoted rhetoric and give a middle finger to all of her critics. It’s therefore hard to separate the art from the artist in this case.
Tell us, though, do you think King’s comments on J.K. Rowling and her new novel are troubling, or do you see no problem with the ringing endorsement? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts.
