Writers Gone Bad: The Differing Treatment of J.K. Rowling vs Neil Gaiman

News Section Editor Chantelle Mackintosh highlights the issues of nostalgia and transphobia while discussing the differences between public treatment of J.K. Rowling and Neil Gaiman.

Everyone knows of J.K. Rowling and Neil Gaiman, but we don’t spend enough time delving into their similarities, and more importantly, their differences. Both authors were born in the 1960s, both wrote highly successful novels that were adapted for the screen, and both had controversies around their personal lives. But public response differed when news of their controversy got out. As a previous (but certainly no longer) fan of both writers, I’ve always wondered why they were treated so differently. There are quite a few reasons. Let’s go through them. 

The Controversy Itself

Before we compare the two, first we need to talk about what went wrong with each author. Joanne Rowling, famously known by her pen name J.K. Rowling, is the author of children’s series Harry Potter. The seven-book collection generated millions in royalties and many more millions in her eight-part movie deal and spin-offs. Rowling’s controversy began in 2019 when she started posting thinly veiled transphobic tweets. Later in the same year, she came out with an essay explaining her worry for women's rights with the growing trend of “gender self-identification”. She faced significant backlash from the LGBTQ+ community who felt betrayed by a seemingly inclusive author. Several big-name actors from the Harry Potter films publicly disagreed with her views, causing a rift in the community. Rowling continued to double down on her views while fans discovered further right-wing political beliefs in her books. 

Meanwhile Neil Gaiman, author of Coraline, Good Omens, American Gods, and The Sandman, also earned millions in royalties from book and film deals. Gaiman had been involved in many minor controversies throughout his career, including accusations of racism, questionable political views and ghostwriting. However, multiple allegations of sexual assault in a disturbing New York Times article broke his career.

Treatment of the Authors Since

Neil Gaiman has largely been removed from the public eye. His name has been stripped from season three of Good Omens ahead of its release, as well as being dropped by his publisher Dark Horse Comics. Additionally, Coraline - The Musical production was cancelled, as well as further seasons of The Sandman and multiple other projects. 

Meanwhile, J.K. Rowling has faced a very different fate and is still publishing books, even rebooting the Harry Potter film franchise through a television show. So, despite both authors hurting people, why has one been stripped from pop culture while the other still gets to profit off their actions?

Who Their Actions Affect

Neil Gaiman’s actions personally affected women, while J.K. Rowling’s impersonally affected trans people. Violence against women is a current hot topic to be against, and therefore standing against perpetrators of violence is an honourable and worthy cause. Meanwhile, Rowling’s treatment of transgender people is seen as more justified as the community is in the spotlight at the moment. 

Who They Wrote For

Rowling is so closely associated with childhood thanks to her Harry Potter series. Many find it hard to separate the art from the artist. However, that message only applies to authors who are long dead, so their actions can no longer hurt anyone. Because of the childhood nostalgia associated with her, many are resistant to move against her. However, those involved in the LGBTQ+ community, while disappointed, found it no trouble to cut it out of their lives. The ability to survive with a certain aspect of pop culture is simple, but nostalgia makes it difficult. 

Meanwhile, Gaiman mainly wrote for an older audience, so there’s less childhood nostalgia associated with his work. While marginalised people connect with his work, particularly Good Omens, the ability to cut out something not associated with childhood is much easier. 

Now coming from a more personal standpoint; I had loved both authors before everything happened. I grew up reading the Harry Potter books. I’ve been to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando and loved it. I’ve read Good Omens countless times, and I was traumatised by Coraline clips on TikTok. But I, along with many other women and members of the LGBTQ+, have cut their IP out of my life. But thanks to nostalgia, I still hold onto some of my existing memorabilia: the Funko Pops, the banners and the books. I won’t buy more, but I’ll keep the little I have as a reminder of my childhood, and to always remember to stand by what I believe in.