Duolingo apologised after a German lesson told learners to describe J.K. Rowling as mean. The company has since withdrawn the example.
The exercise centred on Harry Potter books. The approved answer strayed into commentary on the author instead of language practice.
In response, Duolingo admitted the sentence was inappropriate, expressed regret, and promised lessons will stick to neutral material.
Rowling’s views on trans rights remain heavily disputed, drawing anger from activists, fans, and well-known figures connected to Harry Potter.
Daniel Radcliffe said her comments upset him and stressed his continued commitment to supporting LGBTQ communities.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Disputes
Some users objected to the sentence’s inclusion. Producer Gaby Koppel condemned Duolingo online, arguing political ideology should not appear in study tools.
Rowling also clashed with Nicola Sturgeon, mocking sections of Sturgeon’s autobiography by posting annotated pages on social media.
Sturgeon responded that criticism is fair but described Rowling’s rhetoric as divisive and provocative.
Elsewhere, the Polari Prize suspended its 2025 award after backlash linked to the longlisting of writer John Boyne.
Boyne supported Rowling publicly, voiced gender-critical views, and generated significant opposition within LGBTQ literary circles.
