‘A turning point’: Quidditch leagues to change name; Rowling’s transphobic comments, copyright issues cited
Quidditch leagues inspired by the magical game from “Harry Potter” will be dropping their name to both distance themselves from J.K. Rowling’s “anti-trans positions” and avoid trademark concerns, the leagues said.
US Quidditch and Major League Quidditch released a joint statement saying the leagues have started the process of choosing a new name for the real-life version of the game – a contact sport with broomsticks that resembles soccer and field hockey.
Rowling, author of the beloved series, made headlines last summer after writing multiple social media posts voicing her opinions on the trans community.
She has continued to double down after the posts were widely perceived as transphobic and misinformative, leading many “Harry Potter” stars including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint – who played the Golden Trio: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasely – to speak out in support of the trans community. Rowling’s comments have also left many longtime fans, including fans from the trans community, grappling with their love for the series and reaction to its creator’s views.
In addition, Warner Bros., the production company behind the “Harry Potter” movies, has the trademark on “quidditch,” which could limit the sport’s expansion, broadcast and sponsorship opportunities, league officials said.
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“I believe quidditch is at a turning point,” USQ executive director Mary Kimball said in a statement. “We can continue the status quo and stay relatively small, or we can make big moves and really propel this sport forward into its next phase.”
Contact News Now Reporter Christine Fernando at cfernando@usatoday.com or follow her on Twitter at @christinetfern.