Rowling responds to criticism over Twitter war
'Harry Potter' author J.K. Rowling responded to criticism that her Twitter war with Westboro Baptist Church actually helped spread the church's anti-gay message. A fan said that giving the church attention 'was counterproductive,' to which Rowling responded, 'I think it's important that scared gay kids who aren't out yet see hate speech challenged.'
The Twitter war started when Rowling tweeted that she was watching the Irish make history in their decision to legalize gay marriage. Next, a fan tweeted that they hoped Dumbledore would feel welcome in Ireland. In response, Rowling posted a picture of Keanu Reeves with the question, "What if Dumbledore and Gandalf (Lord of the Rings) were gay together?" She wrote, "then they could get married IN IRELAND!"
The Westboro Baptist Church then responded with a tweet saying that they would picket, and the battle started.
After a public social media tango between Rowling and the controversial Kansas-based church, Rowling responded to a fan that said giving the church attention "was counterproductive." Rowling tweeted, "I think it's important that scared gay kids who aren't out yet see hate speech challenged. "
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