Kezia Dugdale apologises after backlash over JK Rowling remarks ahead of Stonewall role

Dugdale said she had "huge respect" for Rowling also praised her background and success as a writer

Kezia Dugdale has issued an apology after facing backlash for comments she made about JK Rowling ahead of her upcoming role as chair of Stonewall.

The controversy began after Dugdale said she had “huge respect” for Rowling during a podcast interview, praising her background and success as a writer. The remarks quickly sparked criticism, particularly because Rowling’s views on transgender issues have been widely disputed and criticised by LGBTQ+ advocates.

Dugdale’s comments were seen by some as conflicting with Stonewall’s long-standing advocacy for trans rights, prompting backlash from both activists and commentators. Critics argued that praising Rowling risked undermining trust in the organisation’s commitment to the trans community.

In response, Dugdale released a statement apologising for her remarks, saying she understood they had caused “worry, anger and upset". She clarified that she should have been clearer in condemning any views or actions that harm members of the LGBTQ+ community, calling that a “red line".

She also reaffirmed that her stance remains firmly supportive of trans inclusion, emphasising that her feminism “has always been trans-inclusive” and that she would not lead an organisation that did not support the entire LGBTQ+ community.

Despite the apology, the incident highlights ongoing tensions around gender identity debates in the UK, particularly as Dugdale prepares to formally take over as Stonewall chair later this year.