Judy Blume Steps on the J.K. Rowling Landmine
2nd May 2023
Until a few weeks ago, Judy Blume’s reputation as one of the world’s most admired and respected novelists seemed assured. She has sold over 82 million copies of her twenty-five books, has won countless awards and was named one of TIME’s most influential people earlier this year.
But those whom the gods wish to destroy are asked for their views on J.K. Rowling — and so when Blume was asked as much in an interview, she replied, “I love her… I am behind her 100 percent as I watch from afar… I haven’t been in touch with her during this tough time. Probably I should.”
This went badly, as might be imagined — “Fuck Judy Blume!” became the keyboard warrior’s cry of choice — and so Blume issued a retraction almost immediately, saying, “I stand with the trans community and vehemently disagree with anyone who does not fully support equality and acceptance for LGBTQIA+ people.” The statement concluded stirringly, “Anything to the contrary is total bullshit.”