Friday 14 October 2022 02:25 AM JK Rowling takes aim at musician Billy Bragg in latest trans row on Twitter trends now
JK Rowling, 57, ignited a fresh trans war of words on Twitter last night with singer songwriter Billy Bragg, 64, as she claimed 'bearded men' are defining what a woman is, later adding he '[is throwing] support behind rape and death threats.'
The row erupted over an interview of Graham Norton at the Cheltenham Literature Festival last weekend where he strongly criticised cancel culture.
Billy Bragg retweeted a video of the interview and said Norton was 'really good' on cancel culture 'and JK Rowling'.
The author then saw the tweet and attacked the singer, saying she was 'enjoying the recent spate of bearded men stepping confidently onto their soapboxes to define what a woman is and throw their support behind rape and death threats.'
But Mr Bragg did not define what a woman is at any point in his initial tweet, and simply supported Mr Norton's suggestion that people discuss trans issues with the parents of trans children or doctors and psychologists instead of referring to celebrity viewpoints.
After the author seemed to suggest both Mr Norton and Mr Bragg were 'misogynists' she received widespread backlash from social media users for the claim, for which she provided no evidence.
In Mr Norton's interview, the TV host slammed those who claim to have been 'cancelled' yet who still have a large platform, and are seen writing articles or being interviewed about the issue.
He added that 'cancel culture' is 'the wrong word', and it should instead be replaced with 'accountability' for what people say.
It follows a fierce row with Nicola Sturgeon over legislation to help trans people self-ID in Scotland.
JK Rowling 'Very much enjoying the recent spate of bearded men stepping confidently onto their soapboxes to define what a woman is and throw their support behind rape and death threats to those who dare disagree'
Billy Bragg, 64, tweeted in support of Graham Norton's comments, adding that he had responded well on a question about JK Rowling
The interviewer questioned Norton on JK Rowling specifically in the light of his comments.
He declined to comment on her stance on transgender issues, but said: 'When I'm asked about it, I become a part of it.
'My voice adds nothing to that discussion and I'm sort of embarrassed that I'm somehow drawn into it.
'If people want to shine a light on those issues then talk to trans people. Talk to the parents of trans kids, talk to doctors, talk to scientists.
'Talk to someone who can illuminate it in some
