Part 5/8:
However, the police determined that Rowling’s comments did not meet the criminal threshold for a hate crime, and no charges were filed. The police’s decision underscored the legal reality: in the UK, simply misgendering someone does not automatically constitute a hate crime or illegal act, despite activists’ claims to the contrary.
The Public Dispute and Its Aftermath
The controversy extended beyond legal disagreements; Rowling criticized Willoughby’s response, mocking the way activists sometimes overreach in labeling speech as criminal. Rowling shared her frustration, suggesting that the increased activism and accusations are driven more by ideological zeal than genuine concern for safety or rights.