Bowen Yang Slams J.K. Rowling Over U.K. Court Ruling on Trans Rights

The SNL star joins a wave of celebrities, including Nicola Coughlan and Sean Biggerstaff, condemning the British author’s response to a controversial legal decision defining womanhood by biological sex.

Bowen Yang is speaking out forcefully in defense of the transgender community, calling out author J.K. Rowling in the wake of a recent U.K. Supreme Court decision that legally defines womanhood by biological sex—a ruling seen as a major setback for trans rights in the country.

The Saturday Night Live star took to his Instagram Stories with a sharp message aimed directly at Rowling, sharing a selfie with a raised middle finger and the caption: “Absolute f— u to jk rowling,” followed by a transgender pride flag emoji. His post came shortly after the court’s ruling was announced and Rowling publicly celebrated the decision across her social media platforms.

The controversial legal outcome, which removes transgender women from the legal definition of “woman” in certain contexts, was lauded by anti-trans activists as a victory for “biological reality.” However, it sparked widespread criticism and concern among LGBTQ+ advocates and allies, who argue it strips away hard-won rights and reinforces harmful discrimination.

Rowling, who has garnered increasing attention for her outspoken and polarizing views on sex and gender, marked the court’s decision by posting a photo of herself smoking a cigar, accompanied by the caption, “I love it when a plan comes together,” and hashtags including #SupremeCourt and #WomensRights. In another post, she took aim at trans rights activists, writing, “You never had the rights you claim you’ve now lost; you had demands.”

Yang’s rebuke was not an isolated reaction—he joins a growing chorus of public figures calling out Rowling’s remarks. Bridgerton actress Nicola Coughlan posted an article from The Cut titled “This Is a New Low for J.K. Rowling” to her Instagram Stories, adding: “Keep your new Harry Potter lads. Wouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole.” She also launched a fundraiser for the U.K.-based trans charity Not a Phase, which has since raised nearly €100,000.

Sean Biggerstaff, known for playing Oliver Wood in the Harry Potter film series, also took a stand, reposting criticism of Rowling and expressing his solidarity with the transgender community. In response to one of Rowling’s tweets joking that her cigar “identified as a blunt,” Biggerstaff replied: “Bigotry rots the wit.” He further dismissed the idea that Rowling was unfairly ostracized, writing, “Christ, if that’s what being cast out looks like, I’ll take some.”

The response from celebrities within and outside the Harry Potter franchise reflects growing unease over Rowling’s continued rhetoric and her influence on public discourse around trans issues. As public debate intensifies, figures like Yang, Coughlan, and Biggerstaff are using their platforms to call for compassion, inclusion, and accountability—emphasizing that trans rights are human rights.

The backlash also casts a renewed spotlight on the upcoming Harry Potter TV reboot at HBO, with some stars publicly distancing themselves from the project due to Rowling’s involvement. While the series remains in development, its association with such a divisive figure may continue to complicate its reception.

As for Bowen Yang, his message was clear, unfiltered, and unapologetically supportive of a community under fire—a reminder that even in the face of legal setbacks, solidarity can be loud, fierce, and absolutely necessary.