JK Rowling reveals she 'never meant to hurt anyone' with anti-trans comments

J.K. Rowling has revealed that she never ‘meant to hurt anyone’ with her anti-trans rhetoric.

It’s been almost three years since the billionaire author sent the internet into a frenzy after she wrote a series of tweets that were deemed transphobic.

As a result, many Harry Potter stars spoke out against Rowling, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Evanna Lynch and Harry Melling.

But now, the author will explore the controversy in her upcoming podcast, The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling, which is slated for release on February 21.

The podcast will be hosted by Megan Phelps-Roper, who will speak to Rowling about the most contentious moments in her career and the backlash she faced following her tweets.

In a trailer for the project, Rowling touches on the idea that she has tainted her legacy.

She says: “What has interested me in recent years, particularly on social media [is when fans say], ‘You’ve ruined your legacy. Oh, you could have been beloved forever, but you chose to say this.’

"And I think: ‘You could not have misunderstood me more profoundly'.

“I never set out to upset anyone. However, I was not uncomfortable with getting off my pedestal.”

As you guessed, the sneak peek clip has left many divided.

One person wrote on Twitter: “Fascinating that the ultra-privileged billionaire with millions [of] devoted followers can attack a minority group and yet when people call her out for it she plays the ‘witch trials’ feminist card. You, Joanne, are witchfinder general.”

Another commented: “I must say, the way people like Ms. Rowling revel in a persecution complex—I mean, come on, she's one of the richest and most influential authors in the world!—is truly a thing of annoyance. These people seem to equate criticism with persecution.”

While a third said: “Can’t wait to listen, fabulous woman.”

The podcast host, Phelps-Roper, has also released an essay explaining why she wanted to interview the author.

Phelps-Rope revealed that as she was born into Westboro Baptist Church, and her former beliefs made her the subject of 'disgust and hatred', especially on Twitter.

However, through the platform, she was lucky to ‘encounter strangers who, through kindness, friendly mockery, and civil conversation’, made her realise she needed to change.

She added: “Like Rowling, I knew what it was like to be an object of intense hatred.

"But I also knew the value of good-faith conversation, and the role it can play in bridging even the deepest divides.”