On March 16, 2025, Azealia Banks took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice her criticisms of author J.K. Rowling, who has faced allegations of transphobia. The 33-year-old artist shared a retweet that discussed Rowling’s controversial perspective on transgender identities, further fueling the ongoing discourse surrounding the author’s views.
“Maybe her husband at 27 cheated on her with a Tr***ylicious diva and that’s why she’s dedicated every waking moment to making sure her life’s legacy is dedicated to harassing people who make up less than 1% of the global population,” she expressed.
Known for her candid opinions, particularly regarding issues affecting African Americans, Banks insinuated that Rowling’s vocal opposition to transgender rights might be rooted in personal grievances. In her post, she pointedly referenced speculated infidelities in Rowling’s past.
The next day, on March 17, Rowling responded directly to Banks’ allegations, addressing the public’s curiosity about her history. In her post, she underscored the veracity of her experiences, including past domestic abuse, framing Banks’ remarks as superficial attempts to garner social media engagement.
“It’s a matter of public record that my first husband beat me up, but you got the likes, Azealia, and I hope they were worth it,” Rowling tweeted.
JK Rowling Discusses Legacy on The Witch Trials Podcast
Rowling previously tackled the topic of her views on transgender issues in an episode of The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling podcast, aired on February 21, 2023. During the episode, she reflected on the considerable backlash her statements had sparked, indicating that she does not dwell on the concept of legacy.
“I do not walk around my house thinking about my legacy,” she remarked.
Since 2020, Rowling’s opinions have been a point of contention, originating from a tweet she made in June 2020, which questioned the use of the term “people who menstruate”without specifically mentioning “women.”This tweet received significant backlash from various communities and activists.
“People who menstruate. I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?” she quipped.
Rowling later elaborated on her perspective in a detailed essay published on June 10, 2020, where she expressed concerns about the implications for women’s safety should transgender women access female spaces.
“When you throw open the doors of bathrooms and changing rooms to any man who believes or feels he’s a woman… you open the door to any and all men who wish to come inside,” she stated.
Despite her clarifications, Rowling encountered further criticism from trans advocates, members of the Harry Potter cast, and audiences globally. During her podcast discussion, she made clear her intentions were never to harm, reiterating that she has focused on the present rather than worrying about her legacy after death.
“What will my legacy be? Whatever, I’ll be dead. I care about now. I care about the living,” she emphasized.
Currently, J.K. Rowling continues her endeavors in writing and charitable work. Her latest publication, The Running Grave, was released in 2023, with her next anticipated work, The Hallmarked Man, slated for 2025.