Author J.K. Rowling threw her support behind Macy Gray after the singer faced backlash for what some called “transphobic” comments when she said changing “your parts” doesn’t “make you a woman.”
Gray was labeled a “TERF,” a derogatory acronym used by some leftists that stands for transgender-exclusionary radical feminists, after saying on Piers Morgan’s “Piers Morgan Uncensored” show that “just because you go change your parts doesn’t make you a woman. Sorry.”
“Today feels like a good day to ensure I’ve bought [Macy Gray]’s entire back catalogue,” Rowling tweeted to her 13 million followers Tuesday.
Rowling, the famed “Harry Potter” author, has also been the target of trans-rights activists because of her defense of biological women’s rights and protections.
Today feels like a good day to ensure I’ve bought @MacyGraysLife’s entire back catalogue 🔥 pic.twitter.com/iIrPc9WvAQ
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) July 5, 2022
The author’s post included a screenshot of an interaction between Gray and transgender broadcaster India Willoughby, who suggested Gray’s remarks would damage her career.
“As for Macey [sic] – how to kill what’s left of your career,” Willoughby tweeted. In response, the “Sweet Baby” hitmaker replied simply, “truth hurts.”
During Gray’s appearance on Morgan’s show, the two discussed transgender athletes in female sports competitions.
"What women go through is a completely unique experience and surgery or finding yourself doesn't change that."
Macy Gray explains why she thinks having gender reassignment doesn't truly change someone's sex.@MacyGraysLife | @piersmorgan | @TalkTV | #MacyGray pic.twitter.com/YT0wQSnYCN
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) July 4, 2022
“And I will say this, and everybody’s going to hate me, but as a woman, just because you go change your parts doesn’t make you a woman,” Gray told the host. “Sorry.”
“I know that for a fact,” the singer added. “Like if you want me to call you a her, I will, because that’s what you want. But that doesn’t make you a woman, just ’cause I call you a her and just ’cause you got a surgery.”
“A woman goes through a completely unique experience and surgery and finding yourself doesn’t change that,” Gray continued. “Being a little girl is a whole epic book, you know? You can’t have that just because you want to be a woman.”
The singer has since responded to the backlash and told Rolling Stone magazine in a statement that she has “nothing but love for the LGBTQ+ and transgender community” and said that her “statement on Piers Morgan was grossly misunderstood.”
“I don’t hate anyone,” the statement added. “I respect everyone’s right to feel comfortable in their bodies and live their own truth.”