The British fantasy fiction author, J. K. Rowling rose to prominence between 1997 and 2007 when she published a several volumes of the children’s fantasy series titled Harry Potter. The literary franchise was soon adapted into a mega-successful movie adaptation by the Warner Bros. Studio and has since been in production of the making and distribution of Harry Potter universe films.
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The author has had her fair share of troubles over the past few years. Although Rowling rose in popularity among fans and the entertainment world as one of the most creative minds, she landed in several controversies after publicly making transphobic comments. Her actions were widely condemned throughout social media and by the industry.
Related article: 5 Controversies Around J. K. Rowling That May Shock You
PR Firm Denies Association of Warner and Rowling
During the expansion of the “Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter” attraction in London, the franchise actor Tom Felton who plays antagonist Draco Malfoy in the films was present to unveil the opening of Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse. In the several media parties present there, Sky News had taken the opportunity to ask Felton about the author.
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During the press event, the Sky News reporter asked Felton, “You and the other stars of the film are still very much the face of the franchise if you like. We speak to you and hear from you guys… J.K. obviously has sort of more of a back seat now. Is it strange for her not to be around at things like this?”
The external PR firm subversively skipped over the question and in a later statement sent to Sky News via email stated: “J.K. Rowling is not connected to Warner or Tom Felton, the team felt it was not relevant to the piece.”
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Warner Bros. Supports J. K. Rowling Amid Media Cacophony
The external PR representative had acted on behalf of Warner Bros. Studio when asked for the question to be skipped. However, although that did not conclusively demonstrate any suggestion of the breaking of all ties between Rowling and the Studio, it did raise concerns due to their ongoing collaboration with the Fantastic Beasts franchise screenplay.
In association with the recent occurrence at the London tour attraction press event, Warner Bros. surprisingly released a statement that countered the one issued by the PR firm:
“Warner Bros. has enjoyed a creative, productive and fulfilling partnership with J.K. Rowling for the past 20 years. She is one of the world’s most accomplished storytellers, and we are proud to be the studio to bring her vision, characters and stories to life now — and for decades to come. On Monday, a statement was issued by a third-party media agency that appeared contrary to this view. The statement was wholly wrong, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London regrets it happened as part of a media event that day.”
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Fans have been sorely disappointed, to say the least, at the Studio for their indifference toward condemning J. K. Rowling.
— Milmiskew (@Milmiskew) June 30, 2022
— Craig (@CS11__) June 30, 2022
Her fans: pic.twitter.com/Vj0ti38rOk
— 😁🍿📺🧩 (MERRY OMITB 2-MAS) (@Fruityfruit6) June 30, 2022
— superAgent47ult (@Superagent47ult) June 30, 2022
J. K. Rowling has been in association with the Studio even after her public anti-trans comments. Her statements related to people who menstruate had been received with widespread backlash and criticism, with franchise lead actors like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint publicly condemning her sentiments.
Source: Variety
