J.K. Rowling was accused of publishing an "upskert" photo of a trans woman. The writer considers it a fight for women's rights, and critics consider it sexual harassment

Writer J.K. Rowling is again at the epicenter of a large-scale scandal. This time, the reason was the publication of a photo of trans woman Frieda Wallace, taken from an angle that allows you to look under the skirt. At the same time, Rowling celebrates a legal victory: the Supreme Court of Great Britain actually supported her position on the issue of gender determination.

What happened?

On July 11, Rowling published a series of posts on social network X (formerly Twitter) dedicated to Frieda Wallace, a political commentator and podcast host Gender Nebulous. The writer posted a photo from the 2023 debate, in which Wallace is sitting in a short skirt and fishnet tights; The angle of the picture is such that part of the underwear and the genital area are visible.

Rowling accompanied the post with an ironic comment, deliberately using male pronouns and the name "Fred" in relation to Wallace. She wrote that "Fred" left "a lasting impression on the audience. And on a chair."

Why is Rowling accused of "upskerting"?

Critics and LGBT activists called the writer's act "upskerting" (secret shooting under the skirt), which is a criminal offense in the UK. Social media users noted that Rowling uses the same sexist methods of humiliation that men usually try to "put in their place" overly active women.

Some commentators called Rowling a "cruel bullyer" and said that she was obsessed with other people's genitals. Bar owners Stonewall Inn They also said that the writer's rhetoric harms trans people around the world.

How does Rowling explain her actions?

The writer denied all accusations. According to her, Wallace was at a public event, which was officially filmed, she herself chose such an outfit and pose, which means that there is no question of any "secret shooting".

Rowling called Wallace a "paraphilic exhibitionist" and stated that many trans women derive erotic pleasure from showing off their male bodies in women's spaces. She stressed that she simply refuses to "pretend" and ignore biological reality.

What does the Supreme Court of Great Britain have to do with it?

The court pointed out that the law is based on the concept of the binary of sex ("a person is either a man or a woman") and its usual wording reflects biological characteristics.

This means that trans women (even with a gender recognition certificate) can no longer claim seats on state councils or quotas reserved for women. Rowling, who financially supported the organization For Women Scotland, which filed the lawsuit, called this decision "the protection of the rights of women and girls."

Is this the only scandal involving Rowling in recent times?

No, the writer is active on many fronts:

• Conflict with Amnesty International: The organization called Rowling's crisis center for victims of sexual violence (which accepts only biological women) "anti-human rights." Rowling threatened to sue, after which Amnesty withdrew the report for "internal review."
• Criticism of athletes: Rowling was criticized for attacking Zambian footballer Barbra Banda (a cisgender woman), saying that giving her the award was "a spit in the face of women."
• Asexuality: In April 2025, the writer ridiculed International Asexuality Day, calling it "a day of fake oppression."

How do the actors of Harry Potter feel about this?

Many stars of the franchise continue to distance themselves from the author. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint have repeatedly spoken out in support of trans people. Radcliffe stressed that "trans women are women," and he is upset by Rowling's position. At the same time, some actors, such as Helena Bonham Carter and Ralph Fiennes, came to the writer's defense, calling the harassment against her "disgusting"