Language learning app Duolingo apologised after one of its German lessons described J.K. Rowling as mean. The sentence was removed quickly.
The exercise asked learners about Harry Potter books. The official response included a personal judgment on the author rather than neutral phrasing.
Duolingo acknowledged the mistake, expressed regret, and promised to keep examples focused strictly on language practice.
Rowling remains a polarising figure for her comments on trans issues, condemned by activists, readers, and several Harry Potter actors.
Daniel Radcliffe described her remarks as disappointing and reaffirmed his long-standing support for LGBTQ rights.
Public Backlash and Related Tensions
Users debated whether political stances belong in study apps. Producer Gaby Koppel criticised Duolingo on social media for inserting ideology.
At the same time, Rowling clashed with Nicola Sturgeon, sharing mocked pages of Sturgeon’s autobiography and insulting her publicly.
Sturgeon responded that disagreement was acceptable but condemned Rowling’s hostile tone as inflammatory.
In UK literary news, the Polari Prize paused its 2025 contest following criticism of John Boyne’s inclusion.
Boyne has defended Rowling openly, advanced gender-critical views, and faced heavy backlash from LGBTQ writers and readers.
