J.K. Rowling Responds to Vancouver Park Board’s Event Apology

Author J.K. Rowling has publicly addressed the Vancouver Park Board following its formal apology regarding an upcoming Harry Potter-themed event. The board’s apology was directed to transgender, gender-diverse, and Two-Spirit (TGD2S) individuals in response to concerns raised about the event. Rowling’s reaction came through social media on October 9, 2025, where she responded to Commissioner Tom Digby after he introduced a motion to express regret for the perceived harm caused by the event, titled Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience.

In her post on platform X, Rowling mocked the notion of being “disavowed.” She stated, “To be honest, I didn’t even know Vancouver Parks and Recreation had avowed me, so the disavowal hasn’t been much of a blow.” Rowling humorously suggested that the board should send her a certificate of avowal, which she would frame and display, before retracting it.

Concerns Over Author’s Influence

The uproar stems from the association between the Harry Potter franchise and Rowling, who has been criticized for her comments related to transgender issues. In the motion put forth by Digby, he acknowledged significant public concern, stating, “Deep concerns about the event have arisen because the original author of Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, has, since at least 2018, used her platform and the wealth gained from the Harry Potter franchise to fund and amplify anti-transgender political campaigns.” He emphasized that her actions have caused harm to trans communities globally, including those in Vancouver.

The Park Board’s decision to host the Harry Potter event, set to open in Stanley Park on November 7, 2025, has raised questions about its commitment to the TGD2S community. The board unanimously passed the motion on October 7, 2025, which instructed staff to ensure the event runs for only one season, with no extensions or renewals. The motion also called for a public disavowal of Rowling’s political activities and requested letters of apology be sent to community members.

Event Details and Community Impact

The Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is expected to take guests along a lit pathway featuring interactive moments from the Wizarding World. Organizers estimate that the entire experience will last between 60 and 90 minutes, with the walking trail alone taking 45 to 75 minutes to complete. Despite the planned festivities, the Park Board is also exploring concrete actions to “repair trust and address the harm” caused by hosting the event.

Rowling further shared her feelings about the controversy, stating she would need “a few years of therapy and family support” before being able to hear the name “Vancouver Parks and Recreation” without experiencing distress. She sarcastically noted her expectation that with time, she would overcome this reaction.

As the event approaches, the tensions between community sentiments and the cultural impact of Rowling’s work continue to be a focal point of discussion in Vancouver. The Park Board’s actions and the public response highlight the significant challenges that arise when cultural events intersect with complex social issues.