An artwork showcasing women’s empowerment that displayed J.K. Rowling’s name was stitched over by a participant from the National Trust. However, a member restored her name last week, prompting the organization to take the piece down.
Why Did the National Trust Remove Artwork Featuring J.K. Rowling’s Name?
The National Trust withdrew the fabric artwork named “A Virtuous Woman,” after it was reportedly “tampered with.”
Guests who flocked to Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire last year were invited to stitch the names of women they found inspirational into the artwork. Among those names stitched was that of J.K. Rowling.
However, the Harry Potter author’s name was later covered up by a participant with blue and pink threads, indicating support for the trans movement because of the colors.
Jean Hatchet, a member of the Trust and a women’s rights activist, found the move offensive and removed the covering.
She also shared her action in a post on X, captioned, "Injustice to JK Rowling corrected. Don’t erase the names of women from art or life."
The Trust found this "disappointing" and reminded visitors that while the artwork might be created for the purpose of starting a conversation, they still ask them to be "respectful."
Due to this, they decided to cover the piece with a white sheet a few days later and displayed a note, saying:
"Unfortunately, the artwork has been tampered with by a member of the public. Please bear with us while we assess the piece and decide on the best course of action."
Rowling has become a controversial figure recently because of her gender-critical statements, which she often shares with the public.
She has become supportive of women’s rights, fighting for their sex-based protections and safe spaces. However, she has expressed opposition to transgender individuals and frequently argues with them and their advocates on X.
Just recently, Jade Thirlwall, an ex-Little Mix member who disagrees with Rowling’s views, said "f*** you" onstage to everything she and her fans stand against, including "transphobia" and "J.K. Rowling."
What Did Jade Thirlwall Say About J.K. Rowling During Her Recent Performance?
The audience at the Mighty Hoopla music festival went wild when Jade Thirlwall stepped onto the main stage, especially when she began listing things she likely finds offensive and encouraged the crowd to chant "f*** you" in response.
"I want to see you with middle fingers up in the air,” the singer said before performing her next song, FUFN (F*** You For Now).
The 32-year-old mentioned words such as "bad sex," and the crowd responded by yelling "f*** you."
At one point, Thirlwall said "J.K. Rowling," and the crowd chanted the curse word even louder before cheering for the singer.
A fan in the audience captured the moment and uploaded it to TikTok, captioning the video: "@JADE is our IT girl."
Thirlwall’s introduction to her new song comes from her upcoming album, That’s Showbiz Baby, which is set to be released on September 12.
Now performing under the name Jade as a solo artist, Thirlwall has long been recognized as an ally, advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community and speaking out against transphobia and supporters of conversion therapy.
It’s apparent that Thirlwall has joined the list of celebrities who have become vocal in their opposition to Rowling’s views.
The Harry Potter author has been under fire for actively criticizing trans individuals, whom she firmly believes pose a danger to the safe spaces and rights of women.
Rowling’s feminist stance has led her to establish the Women’s Fund Organization, a group whose purpose is to advocate for women’s "sex-based rights" in women-only spaces, the workplace, and public life.
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