JK Rowling issues 7-word statement on BBC newsreader who refused ‘pregnant people’ prompt for ‘women’ remark
JK Rowling has voiced her support for BBC presenter Martine Croxall after she corrected the phrase “pregnant people” to “women” live on air while reading from a teleprompter.
Croxall appeared to roll her eyes as she boldly amended the script, saying: “London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has released research which says that nearly 600 heat-related deaths are expected in the UK.
“Malcom Mistry, who was involved in the research, says that the aged, pregnant people… women… and those with pre-existing health conditions need to take precautions.”
Croxall received widespread praise for adjusting the script live on air, and Harry Potter author Rowling soon joined the chorus of applause.
Taking to X to applaud the presenter, the Harry Potter author wrote: “I have a new favourite BBC presenter.”
Others also showed support for Croxall, with therapist and gender-critical campaigner James Esses adding: “The BBC is so utterly enthralled to gender ideology that it took a brave newsreader to correct the teleprompter instruction to say ‘pregnant people’ by instead saying ‘women’ afterwards.
“Let’s hope she isn’t cancelled for her rebellion!”
Additional tweets included: “Give Martine Croxall a pay rise #BBCNews”, “Take a bow Martine Croxall”, and “Well done @MartineBBC for standing up for women & girls AND biological science.”
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Rowling’s remarks come after a turbulent few weeks, during which the billionaire has clashed with several high‑profile figures over her gender‑critical stance.
She was recently criticised by Sir Stephen Fry, as he claimed that the Harry Potter creator has become “radicalised” over her views on trans rights.
Fry, who voiced all seven of the Harry Potter audio books, told The Show People podcast that JK Rowling is now a “lost cause” after being “radicalised by Terfs”.
The broadcaster revealed his disappointment, saying he was “sorry because I always liked her company” and had found her “charming, funny, and interesting.”
He claimed that “trans people are here and that they are hurting” and are “being abominably treated.”
Last week, Rowling also clashed with singer Boy George after he called her a “rich bored bully”.
In response, Rowling asked: “Which rights have been taken away from trans people,” which prompted Boy George to launch the scathing attack.
That jibe triggered a forceful response from Rowling, who took aim at George’s past, writing: “I’ve never been given 15 months for handcuffing a man to a wall and beating him with a chain.”
Rowling’s remark referenced Boy George’s 2009 conviction for false imprisonment, in which the singer, real name George O’Dowd, was jailed after chaining a male escort to a wall and beating him with a chain.
The rows have unfolded months after the UK Supreme Court ruled that biological sex – not gender identity – defines a woman in law, a landmark decision in a case supported by Rowling, who donated £70,000 to the campaign group For Women Scotland.