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The controversy escalated further when supporters and detractors exchanged heated debates online. Willoughby accused Rowling of misogyny—despite being a transgender woman herself—arguing that Rowling’s views are a betrayal of womanhood. In response, critics highlighted the hypocrisy in this claim, pointing out that Willoughby is “cosplaying” as a woman rather than genuinely identifying as one, noting the complex interplay among gender, performance, and identity.
These exchanges have sparked a wave of outrage from trans activists who label Rowling as a transphobe and threaten her safety. Willoughby, who made history as Britain’s first transgender newsreader and co-host on ITV’s Loose Women, has publicly expressed distress over Rowling’s comments, criticizing them as grotesque and harmful.