HBO Stands By J.K. Rowling for ‘Harry Potter’ Reboot Despite Anti-Trans Statements

HBO doubled down on the involvement of J.K. Rowling in its Harry Potter reboot series, despite the long-running controversy over Rowling’s anti-transgender views. “J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views,” the company said in a statement Nov. 12. “We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.” HBO’s position is a departure from the carefully worded statement its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, initially offered when Rowling first spoke about trans issues in 2020 to immense backlash. “Fostering a diverse and inclusive culture has never been more important to our company,” the company said at the time. Stars of the original franchise, like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, also released statements in support of trans rights. Since 2020, Rowling’s anti-trans ideology has become the core of her online presence. Variety found that Rowling posted or reposted anti-trans content more than 200 times since September, compared to eight posts about Harry Potter in the same time period. Now, under new leadership, Warner Bros. Discovery apparently doesn’t feel the need to distance themselves from Rowling. “We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance,” the statement said. Read it at VarietyRead more at The Daily Beast.

President-elect Donald Trump has now slapped his name on a “limited edition” collection of guitars for his staunch MAGA supporters who would also happen to be music fans, he announced in a Wednesday post on Truth Social. “Only 1,300 of each Acoustic and Electric Guitars MADE — Some personally signed!” he urged. The “American Eagle Series” guitars retail at $1,500 for electric and $1,250 for acoustic versions, with the Trump Guitar website promising that all in stock guitars will arrive in time for Christmas.

The guitars hand-signed by the president-elect himself retail for $10,000, with only 275 versions available. In addition to being inlaid with Trump’s signature “Make America Great Again” phrase, the guitars come in a variety of colors, black, yellow, and red, and an American Eagle and flag design. The instruments also feature a 45 on the headstock, “signifying President Donald J.

Trump’s historic term as President.” A new name has reportedly entered the race for Donald Trump ’s Treasury Secretary. The president-elect is taking a look at Tennessee Sen.

Bill Hagerty, formerly a private equity investor and Trump’s previous ambassador to Japan, according to Axios. He resigned his previous position in Trump’s administration to make a run at the Senate— winning the tight Republican primary race on the back of an endorsement from his former boss. “Respected, loyal, and great on TV—the total Trump package,” a Republican source told Axios of.