The Harry Potter author posted the image on X as part of a thread targeting political commentator and podcast host Freda Wallace. In the post, Rowling repeatedly referred to Wallace using male pronouns and by the name “Fred”, despite Wallace identifying as a transgender woman.

The photograph was taken during a 2023 public debate hosted by the Institute of Economic Affairs, which discussed whether transgender ideology threatens liberal values. Wallace appeared on the panel alongside author Helen Joyce, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, and commentator Marc Glendening.

Rowling captioned the image with remarks mocking Wallace and referring to the debate. The post quickly drew criticism online, with one user asking whether Rowling would have shared a similarly revealing photograph of a cisgender woman.

Responding to the criticism, Rowling said the event had been public and filmed with the participants’ knowledge. She also defended posting the image by referring to Wallace’s clothing and comments made during the debate.

Critics argued that the post echoed tactics often used to humiliate women in public life by sharing unflattering or revealing images. Another social media user described Rowling’s actions as bullying.

The exchange is the latest in a series of public disputes involving Rowling and transgender rights, a topic on which the author has become one of the most prominent and controversial voices in recent years.