Oxfam International has said that a cartoon woman wearing a “Terf” badge in their new Pride video is not intended to portray Harry Potter author JK Rowling.
Terf is an acronym for radical feminist trans-exclusion, which critics have attributed to Rowling in the past due to her controversial views on transgender people.
On Tuesday (June 6), Oxfam was forced to delete, edit and re-post a video without the character wearing the Terf badge after critics suggested she resembled Rowling.
A statement from Oxfam International said “Oxfam or the filmmakers did not intend for this slide to depict any particular person or group of people”.
Rowling has previously strongly denied allegations of transphobia.
A spokesperson for Oxfam International said: “Oxfam believes that all people can make decisions that affect their lives, enjoy their rights and live a life free of discrimination and violence, including those from the LGBTQIA+ community.
“In our attempt to make a critical point about the real harm caused by transphobia, we made a mistake.
“We therefore edited the video to remove the term ‘Terf’ and we apologize for the offense it has caused. Oxfam or the filmmakers do not intend for this slide to depict any particular person or group of people.
“We fully support both the right of an individual to uphold their philosophical beliefs and the right of a person to have their identity respected, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and their sexual characteristics.”
Oxfam International tweeted “we have removed the post because of concerns raised with us. We’ll be reposting #ProtectThePride shortly before sharing the edited video, removing the display of the woman wearing the “terf” badge.
“We are posting the updated video below, please share again to show solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. None of us are safe until we are all safe. This June, we invite you to join #ProtectThePride!” they tweeted.
A representative for Rowling said the author would not comment.
Jim Broadbent, who played Professor Slughorn in the two Harry Potter films, is Rowling’s latest star to come out to defend her on transgender issues.
Meanwhile, former Harry Potter child stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson have spoken out against the author’s point of view.
Additional report from PA
