Jade Thirlwall leads anti JK Rowling chant during Mighty Hoopla performance
Photo: Gareth Cattermole/GI
Pop singer Jade Thirlwall sparked headlines during her performance at the Mighty Hoopla music festival in London on May 31, 2025, when she led the audience in a chant perceived as a criticism of author J.K. Rowling. The festival, celebrated for its embrace of LGBTQ+ culture, served as the backdrop for Thirlwall’s bold moment on stage.
JADE saying fuck you to performative allyship, homophobes, transphobes and jk rowling oh i love her bad pic.twitter.com/ptDJf7hnqv
While performing on the Main Stage, Thirlwall began a call-and-response by shouting “transphobes,” prompting the crowd to respond with, “F*** you!” She followed up with “J.K. Rowling,” receiving the same reaction from festivalgoers. Videos of the incident circulated widely on social media, where fans praised Thirlwall’s show of support for the transgender community.
Rowling has faced significant criticism since 2019 over statements she has made regarding gender identity and transgender rights. While the author maintains she is not transphobic, her remarks have been viewed by many as dismissive or harmful toward trans and non-binary individuals. In a 2023 interview for the podcast The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling, she said she doesn’t worry about her legacy, focusing instead on the present.
Thirlwall has consistently used her platform to support LGBTQ+ causes. In a recent interview with Gayety, she acknowledged the risks involved in speaking out, saying, “I’m happy to pay the consequences if it means doing the right thing.” She emphasized that remaining silent would feel like a disservice to her fanbase, which includes many LGBTQ+ supporters.
Fans online responded positively to her festival appearance, applauding her stance and energy. The moment underscored the broader conversation about artists' responsibilities in speaking out on social and political issues.