Here's a sentence I honestly never thought I'd write: the infamous Russian dictator Vladimir Putin referenced the highly controversial author J.K. Rowling in a televised meeting this past Friday, and it seemed to open a line of communication between the two because Rowling has clapped back.
View this video on YouTube
Amidst public outcry about his invasion of Ukraine, Putin spoke in a meeting about the last thing on everyone's minds: cancel culture. He mentioned the author of the beloved children's series in a lengthy speech in which he compared the cancellation of Harry Potter following Rowling's transphobic statements to the criticism of Russian composers and writers due to the invasion of Ukraine. According to a recent BBC News article, Putin stated that "They are trying to cancel a thousand-year-old country."
In case you missed it, Rowling's cancellation was prompted due to a series of problematic tweets she posted during the summer of 2020, detailing her views on trans people and specifically trans women.
BOYCOTT HER "books?" HARRY POTTER AUTHOR HATES TRANS PEOPLE: J.K. Rowling doubles down in what some critics call a 'transphobic manifesto' https://t.co/zKGwNLJ3Rq @jk_rowling
Despite the fact that Rowling's tweets incited a great deal of backlash, she didn't stop there. The author also penned what some on Twitter have called a "transphobic manifesto" in which she goes into heavy detail about her views.
After displacing ten million people in Ukraine, the global response to the unprecedented violence has been uproarious. World leaders, politicians, actors, musicians, and numerous others have vocalized their support for Ukraine and denounced Putin's actions. In her response to Putin, Rowling followed suit in supporting the people of Ukraine.
Critiques of Western cancel culture are possibly not best made by those currently slaughtering civilians for the crime of resistance, or who jail and poison their critics. #IStandWithUkraine https://t.co/aNItgc5aiW
In addition to criticizing Putin, Rowling has pledged to match all donations up to £1 million to Ukraine's Emergency Appeal via her children's charity Lumos. Prior to her cancellation due to her transphobic statements, Rowling was known as an active philanthropist and generally well-liked by her fanbase.
Putin's unexpected reference to Rowling is currently trending on Twitter, and people are having mixed reactions.
While some find it hilarious, others find it horrifying and have condemned both Putin and Rowling. While there's a lot floating out there on Twitter, here are two of my favorite tweets about the whole Putin-Rowling debacle.
Who would've guessed that Putin is a Potterhead? Not me!
When JK Rowling sat in that cafe all those years ago, there’s no way she could have known she’d one day be endorsed by Vladimir Putin. Never give up on your dreams.
jk rowling could have easily and uncontroversially been remembered as the most beloved children’s author of all time but she took a detour and is now being defended by a totalitarian war criminal dictator. anything is possible
#IStandWithUkraine
I've added a few more organizations worth donating to 👉🏼How To Donate To Ukraine Relief Efforts https://t.co/qTummFal7a
While I find the whole situation with Putin and Rowling strange and somewhat funny, there is a greater issue at hand. If you want to help those in Ukraine, there are numerous ways to donate and spread awareness. Here's a really great article listing several organizations you can donate to in order to make a difference.
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