“Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling is once again sparking controversy after her social media posts and actions in support of a recent U.K. Supreme Court ruling against trans women. 

The U.K.’s highest court ruled April 16 that the definition of a woman under equality legislation referred to “biological sex” and that trans women with gender recognition certificates are not protected from discrimination as a woman under Britain’s Equality Act.

In several posts on X, Rowling celebrated “terfs” and referred to the ruling as “TERF VE Day,” a play on V-E Day, the formal end of World War II and Nazi occupation in Europe. Since 2019, Rowling has been labeled a “terf,” or trans-exclusionary radical feminist, for her anti-trans views that conflate sex with gender and suggest that changing one’s biological sex threatens her own gender identity.

“I love it when a plan comes together,” Rowling posted to X alongside “#SupremeCourt” and “#WomensRights” while beachside with a drink and a cigar. Rowling reportedly donated £70,000 (about $93,000) to For Women Scotland, the campaign group that argued the case, according to U.K. news outlet The Times.

While the court said trans people would not be disadvantaged by the decision, critics worry it could lead to discrimination, especially regarding employment issues.

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‘Bridgerton’ star Nicola Coughlan slams JK Rowling

Stars in the “Harry Potter” film universe like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Eddie Redmayne and David Tennant have denounced the author’s anti-trans views. Radcliffe told The Atlantic last year that the comments made him “really sad” and that he hasn’t had contact with her since her 2020 posts. 

“Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are,” Watson tweeted in 2020.

“Bridgerton” actor Nicola Coughlan is the latest celebrity to speak out against Rowling, sharing an article from The Cut with the headline “This Is a New Low for J.K. Rowling.”

“Keep your new Harry Potter lads,” Coughlan wrote in an Instagram story April 18. “Wouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole.”

Coughlin also posted a video to her Instagram with her thoughts on the Supreme Court ruling, saying she was “completely horrified” and would match donations to trans charity Not a Phase.

“To see an already marginalized community being further attacked and attacked in law is really stomach-churning and disgusting. And to see people celebrating it is more stomach-churning and disgusting,” Coughlin said.

Rowling also faced backlash April 6 after her disparaging comments about other members of the LGBTQ+ community on International Asexuality Day, calling it “International Fake Oppression Day.”

Asexuality is under the LGBTQ+ umbrella and is a sexual orientation defined as not experiencing sexual attraction. Just under 1% of U.S. adults identify as asexual, pansexual or queer, according to a 2025 Gallup poll.

And during the 2024 Olympics, Rowling repeated a false narrative that Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif was transgender, even though she is a cisgender woman. Rowling’s high-profile comments, as well as those from now-Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump, had Khelif publicly “transvestigated,” which refers to an unfounded conspiracy theory that tries to prove that notable people, especially athletes, are secretly trans. “Transvestigating” athletes like Khelif heightens risk of disqualification and threatens safety, experts have previously said. 

Is J.K. Rowling involved in the new ‘Harry Potter’ show? 

Rowling serves as an executive producer on the series and was “very involved in the process of selecting the writer and the director,” Variety and Entertainment Weekly reported in November. HBO has defended Rowling’s involvement with the show amid backlash.

The new TV adaptation of Rowling’s landmark fantasy novels is currently casting child actors to play Harry, Ron and Hermione. Much of the adult cast is set, including John Lithgow as the new Albus Dumbledore. 

Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY’s Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you’re reading at [email protected].

Contributing: Alyssa Goldberg and Barbara VanDenburgh, USA TODAY; Reuters