Exeter grad JK Rowling speaks out after Wetherspoons removes portrait of her from city pub

A portrait of JK Rowling has been removed from one of the Wetherspoons in Exeter, The Chevalier Inn on Fore Street.

The pub contains various pictures of famous people who have a connection to Exeter, with JK Rowling herself being the University of Exeter’s most renowned graduate. She studied French and classics there in the 1980s, and went on to create the beloved book series Harry Potter.

However, in recent years, J.K. Rowling has sparked significant debate due to her comments on transgender issues. Although she denied being transphobic, in 2020 she voiced her concerns around trans activism.

The author stated that trans activism poses risks to free speech and women’s safety, using language in a manner which has been referred to as transphobic by LGBT rights and feminist organisations.

During the rise of the controversy, Harry Potter stars Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, and Rupert Grint, responded to situation by expressing their continuous support towards transgender rights.

In September 2024, pub customers noticed her picture, which had graced the establishments walls for many years, had been removed.

The public, and a member of staff at the time, speculated that Wetherspoons had taken down her picture due to the writer’s controversial comments about transgender people. However, the company announced that her portrait has been taken down after being vandalised and would be replaced.

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Eddie Gershon, Wetherspoon spokesperson, said at the time: “The picture was removed as it was unfortunately vandalised. Wetherspoon will replace it with the same or similar picture of JK Rowling as soon as possible.” However, the incident left many wondering why JK Rowling’s portrait was the one that was targeted for the act of vandalism.

The discussion surrounding her removed portrait caught the eye of JK Rowling herself, who responded to the situation in a light-hearted manner. Re-sharing the post, she wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce I will be taking down my picture of JD Wetherspoon.”

Despite the author’s controversy, Wetherspoon’s decision to replace the portrait highlights Rowling’s influential connection to Exeter. For the time being, Exeter’s local residents await the reinstatement of her new portrait.

Featured image via X and Google Maps