JK Rowling, renowned author of the Harry Potter series, is making headlines this week for her controversial remarks on Algerian boxer Imane Khelif. On Thursday, July 31, 2024, Khelif won against Italian boxer Angela Carini at the Paris Olympic Games. This victory has sparked debates, given Khelif’s previous disqualification last year for failing testosterone and gender eligibility tests.
Rowling, a vocal critic of the transgender movement, took to Twitter to misgender Khelif, calling her a man. This tweet quickly drew widespread criticism and brought attention to an unexpected detail: what appeared to be black mold growing on the walls in Rowling’s profile picture.
Social Media Reacts to Rowling’s Tweet and Profile Picture
The internet was quick to respond to Rowling’s tweet, with users pointing out the alleged mold in her profile picture. Many speculated humorously that the mold was the cause of her outspoken views on the transgender community. Here are some notable reactions from X:
- “JK Rowling’s profile picture revealing visible black mold that is apparently growing up her walls is probably the greatest Chekhov’s gun of all time,” quipped soul nate.
- “I’m 100% in on the theory that JK Rowling is the way that she is because there’s black mold in her house,” commented another user.
- “JK Rowling: perhaps I should work on a new book today. The black mold growing up her walls: how about we transvestigate an Olympian instead,” another wrote.
While many joked about the mold theory, some pointed out that mold should not excuse bigotry. One user stated, “I don’t mean to sound like I’m excusing bigots of their bigotry but JKR having a mold problem in her house would genuinely explain so much.” Another said, “Do I know that the ‘black mold’ in JK Rowling’s house was merely blurred wallpaper? Yes. Will I still spread the rumor that she has been mentally impacted by black mold? With great joy, yes.”
International Olympic Committee Reacts to Backlash
Following Rowling’s tweet and the subsequent social media uproar, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) addressed the controversy surrounding Khelif’s eligibility. On Thursday, Khelif’s match against Carini ended 46 seconds after Carini abandoned the fight, claiming she had never felt punches like those from Khelif.
Khelif’s previous disqualification from the 2023 International Boxing Association’s (IBA) World Boxing Championships was due to failing eligibility requirements. The IBA stated that Khelif was not subject to a testosterone test but a different test indicating a “competitive advantage.” Russian news agency TASS reported that Khelif was disqualified for having “XY chromosomes,” typically associated with males.
Celebrities like Rowling, X head Elon Musk, and Oil London have since questioned the fairness of including Khelif in women’s competition, with some outright stating that she is a man.
In response, the IOC issued a statement emphasizing non-discrimination in sport. They clarified that all athletes in the Paris 2024 boxing tournament comply with competition and medical regulations. The IOC highlighted that Khelif and another athlete, Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, were victims of an arbitrary decision by the IBA Secretary General and CEO.
“These two athletes were disqualified without due process towards the end of the IBA World Championships in 2023,” the IOC stated. “Every person has the right to practise sport without discrimination.”
As the debate continues, the controversy over Khelif’s participation in the Olympics and Rowling’s comments remain a hot topic, with the internet’s focus on both the athletes’ rights and Rowling’s contentious views.