JK Rowling has commended a BBC News presenter for choosing not to use a term from her teleprompter during a live broadcast.
Martine Croxall was reporting on a study related to heat-related deaths during the British heatwave. While listing the groups advised to be cautious in the heat, Croxall initially read the term ‘pregnant people’, but then paused and changed it to ‘women’.
She stated: “London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has released research which says that nearly 600 heat-related deaths are expected in the UK.
“Malcolm Mistry, who was involved in the research, said the aged, pregnant people – women- and those with pre-existing health conditions need to take precautions.”
This segment of the broadcast quickly gained attention on X (formerly known as Twitter) and the author, known for her strong opinions on gender identity, commented on Croxall’s apparent refusal to use gender-neutral language.
Reacting to the situation, the Harry Potter author, who often uses her platform to express her views on transgender issues, remarked: “I have a new favourite BBC presenter.”
It was noted that the gender-neutral term originated from the study’s authors rather than the BBC. The Times reported that the BBC does not have a specific policy on gender-neutral terminology.
Nevertheless, the BBC News style guide advises the use of ‘appropriate language’ when discussing someone’s gender, recommending the use of pronouns ‘preferred by the person in question, unless there are editorial reasons not to do so’.
Following the viral spread of this on-air moment, the journalist responded on X, saying: “A huge thank you to everyone who has chosen to follow me today for whatever reason. It’s been quite a ride…”.
Croxall’s adjustment of the term has sparked debate, with some viewing it as an opportunity to criticize those who identify as transgender or non-binary.
Earlier this year, Rowling criticized three Harry Potter actors who endorsed a pro-transgender letter following a UK Supreme Court decision.
On April 16, UK judges ruled that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex, indicating that individuals not born female cannot gain the legal protections for women by altering their gender with a Gender Recognition Certificate.
According to the BBC, the Act still safeguards transgender individuals against discrimination.
Eddie Redmayne, known for his role as Newt Scamander in the Fantastic Beasts series, Katie Leung, recognized for her role as Cho Chang in the Harry Potter films, and Paapa Essiedu, who will portray Severus Snape in the upcoming HBO series, were among the celebrities who signed the open letter.
On May 3, Rowling addressed her colleagues who signed the letter in an essay shared on social media.
“In light of recent open letters from academia and the arts criticising the UK’s Supreme Court ruling on sex-based rights, it’s possibly worth remembering that nobody sane believes, or has ever believed, that humans can change sex, or that binary sex isn’t a material fact.”