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Cher’s son Chaz Bono speaks out on J.K. Rowling’s stance on trans people: ‘It’s dangerous’


Chaz Bono has said he is a huge fan of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter franchise (Picture: Getty)

Chaz Bono has criticised J.K. Rowling for her stance on trans people, saying: ‘It’s dangerous.’

The star was speaking on the A Gay and a Non Gay podcast when he was asked about the Harry Potter author – before admitting he’s such a big fan, he even has a HP tattoo.

‘For me personally it’s been really difficult,’ said Chaz. ‘I’m a Harry Potter fanatic, I would say.

‘It was like when the person who wrote your favourite series of books about oppressed people decides to start oppressing you.

‘It’s very strange. It doesn’t make any sense. It’s hard to wrap your head around.’

The 51-year-old, who came out as trans in late 00s, then added: ‘So on a personal [note], it just sucked, but politically, it’s just dangerous. Because I don’t think people realise she’s just regurgitating the same things people have been saying about us, and that’s been debunked, for like 30 years.

J. K. Rowling released the first Harry Potter book in 1997 and has been at the height of literature ever since (Picture: DEBRA HURFORD BROWN via REUTERS)

‘It’s just wrapped up in a new package.’

Rowling has shared her views on trans issues several times this year, including in an extensive essay.

Last month she returned an award from the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights organisation after its president, Kerry Kennedy, said she was ‘profoundly disappointed’ in Rowling for ‘creating a narrative that diminishes the identity of trans and nonbinary people’ and ‘undermining the validity and integrity of the entire transgender community.’

Chaz Bono is the son of pop icon Cher, who is known for hits like If I Could Turn Back Time (Picture: Getty Images North America)

Responding in a note on her website, Rowling said: ‘The statement incorrectly implied that I was transphobic, and that I am responsible for harm to trans people. 

‘As a longstanding donor to LGBT charities and a supporter of trans people’s right to live free of persecution, I absolutely refute the accusation that I hate trans people or wish them ill, or that standing up for the rights of women is wrong, discriminatory, or incites harm or violence to the trans community.’

Chaz has appeared on shows like Dancing With the Stars and RuPaul’s Drag Race, while also working as an actor on the likes of American Horror Story.

He is the son of pop icon Cher, who is known for hits like If I Could Turn Back Time, Believe and Just Like Jesse James, and Sonny Bono.

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