Rowling faces backlash over Butlin's treatment of trans women using ladies' toilets

JK Rowling has condemned Butlin's decision to suspend a security officer who has been accused of "violently" dragging five trans women from a single-sex toilet.

- LYDIA SPENCER-ELLIOTT

The Harry Potter author, 59, has been met with strong backlash in recent years over her outspoken stance on trans women, which many LGBT+ spokespeople have deemed transphobic.

Rowling demanded the seaside resort chain provide a clear stance on women-only spaces. Butlin’s had issued an apology following the incident in Skegness and insisted that it was an “inclusive business”.

In a heavily divisive post, Rowling wrote on X/Twitter: “Does Butlins think the desire of cross-dressing men to enter womenonly spaces is more important than women’s and girls’ right to privacy and dignity? Hopefully Butlins will explain their policy, so women and families can make an informed choice about where to go on holiday.”

The incident took place during the Bang Face Festival, which was hosted at the holiday camp from 4-7 October.

“This occurred at an adults-only rave music festival, and the response from the company happened three days ago,” pointed out one person on X/Twitter. “But go on Joanne, froth up some rage in your followers.”