J.K. Rowling has often used her Twitter for good, and she struck again this weekend after Twitter users sent out homophobic tweets about British diver Tom Daley.
Daley, who won the bronze for the men’s synchronized 10m platform, didn’t qualify for the individual final at the Rio Olympics on Saturday—an event he was favored to win. His loss led one Twitter account, which describes itself as a “UK-based prayer and lobby group,” to point to Daley’s sexuality as to why he didn’t advance.
Turning gay doesn't seem to have done Tom Daley any favours at #Rio2016 https://t.co/tdbT0Y5acx
— Christian Voice (@ChristianVoicUK) August 20, 2016
The tweet received plenty of outrage across the board, but Rowling’s blunt response takes the cake.
Can't decide which is more offensive in this tweet, the stupidity or the spite. https://t.co/ksqZp17drc
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 20, 2016
While her response to Christian Voice’s account will surely make some people gleeful, others asked her why she even acknowledged the homophobic tweet in the first place, or rather, why she’s feeding the trolls and giving them “credence or rather space they shouldn’t have.”
Rowling’s reply to the criticism is poignant and addresses the idea that trolls only want attention for their offensive tweets and rhetoric.
It's an arguable point, but I think this focus on how the bigot/troll/bully feels is odd, I'm afraid.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 21, 2016
Not all 'trolls' air their views purely for attention. They want to hurt. They want to intimidate.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 21, 2016
And the victims get driven out of what should be safe spaces by their venom. If we all challenged hate
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 21, 2016
social media might feel a much nicer place for minorities, and women and gay people.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 21, 2016
And sometimes, she later followed up, seeing other people call out abuse “makes you feel far less lonely.”
@RobertLindsay Speaking as one who's had her share of abuse: it makes you feel far less lonely when other people call it out…
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 20, 2016
Daley hasn’t addressed the comments on his Twitter account, but he’s determined to continue achieving his dreams and cheered on a fellow diver to win it all.
Truly heartbroken. but I will never give up on my dream of being an Olympic champion. pic.twitter.com/lflU8vACod
— Tom Daley (@TomDaley1994) August 20, 2016
H/T Mashable