JK Rowling picture removed at Wetherspoon pub after being 'vandalised'
For many years, a picture of the Harry Potter author has been hung up in the Exeter pub, but it seems the chain has now removed the picture after it was defaced
by Nicola Roy, Mary Stenson · Wales OnlineWetherspoon has taken down a picture of JK Rowling from one of its pubs in Exeter. The portrait, which had been displayed for many years alongside other celebrities and historic figures connected to the city, was a tribute to the Harry Potter author's time at the University of Exeter where she studied French and classics during the 1980s.
It was once rumoured that locations in the city such as The Old Fire House pub and Gandy Street had inspired scenes from the popular book series, but these were later debunked as mere urban myths.
Despite this, Rowling remains one of the most famous individuals to have lived and studied in Exeter. However, it appears that the writer's connection to the city is not necessarily celebrated, Devon Live reports.
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Regulars at The Chevalier Inn on Fore Street may have recently noticed a gap where Rowling's portrait used to be. Wetherspoon, which owns the city centre pub, has confirmed that the photo was removed due to defacement but has pledged to replace it.
A Wetherspoon spokesperson, Eddie Gershon, stated: "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."
The reason behind the photo's damage remains unclear, and it seems that images of other famous individuals on display, including Charles Dickens, Tommy Cooper, and Sir Francis Drake, were left untouched.
JK Rowling has faced criticism in recent years for her stance on transgender issues. Although she denies being transphobic, she expressed concerns about trans-activism in 2020, citing its potential impact on freedom of speech, women's safety, and the erosion of the legal definition of sex in favour of gender.
She also mocked an article that used the term "people who menstruate". Later, she referred to hormone therapy as "a new kind of conversion therapy" and claimed she would "happily do two years" in prison for refusing to use someone's preferred pronouns.
In an apparent response to Rowling's comments on transgender issues, Harry Potter film stars, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, have publicly shown support for the transgender community, stating, "Transgender women are women".