JK Rowling applauds Sophie Cunningham’s rejection of trans athletes in women’s sports
Author JK Rowling has publicly backed WNBA star Sophie Cunningham after the Indiana Fever guard doubled down on her support for keeping transgender athletes out of women’s sport.
During a Tuesday interview with ESPN, Cunningham asserted that girls should be protected from competing against biological males.
She then stood firm on those comments ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Connecticut Sun, brushing aside the backlash that followed.
“I think I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense,” she told reporters, arguing the issue was about protecting girls and female athletes and pointing to Title IX as a foundation for women’s sport.
Rowling shared footage of Cunningham’s remarks on X, reacting with three clapping emojis as the interview gained traction online.
The Harry Potter author’s gesture aligned with her long-running opposition to transgender inclusion in women’s sport, which she frames as a defence of women’s rights.
Cunningham also rejected suggestions her stance was motivated by hate, saying she extended love to everyone while maintaining her focus on protecting biological women and girls.
As for the criticism, she said she was not bothered.
“I really don’t care,” she said.
