JK Rowling has five-word response after fencer takes knee and refuses to face trans opponent

Warning: This article contains discussion of discrimination against the trans community which some readers may find distressing.

This week, a clip of female fencer taking a knee and refusing to compete against a transgender opponent went viral, and the likes of JK Rowling has now weighed in on the matter.

Stephanie Turner was scheduled to take on trans fencer Redmond Sullivan in Maryland over the weekend for the Cherry Blossom Open, but instead, refused altogether with footage from the controversial moment now going viral on social media after racking up millions of views online.

In the clips, Turner could be seen ripping off her fencing mask and tossing it away before kneeling before Sullivan, who herself appeared visibly shocked by the move.

Turner's protest has greatly divided fans of the sport, some of whom have slammed organisers for the 'massive punishment' they've handed her by throwing her out of the games.

And now, the latest update in the saga sees the Harry Potter author and long-time TERF (an acronym for trans-exclusionary radical feminist) share her verdict.

Reposting to the viral video, posted by @icons_women, Rowling penned: "What a heroine looks like."

The post in question disregarded Sullivan's trans identity by not using her chosen she/her pronouns as it was captioned: "Historic Protest: Female Fencer Takes a Knee in Bout Against Male Opponent, Faces Immediate Disqualification."

Turner has since spoken to press about her decision.

Speaking to FOX News, she said: "When I took the knee, I looked at the ref and I said, 'I’m sorry, I cannot do this. I am a woman, and this is a man, and this is a women’s tournament. And I will not fence this individual."

She continued: "Redmond says to me, 'Well you know, there is a member on the board of directors here who supports me, and there is a policy that acknowledges me as a woman, so I am allowed to fence, and you will get black carded', and I said, 'I know.'"

Following Turner's protest, the fencing board later said in an official statement: "USA Fencing enacted our current transgender and non-binary athlete policy in 2023.

"The policy was designed to expand access to the sport of fencing and create inclusive, safe spaces. The policy is based on the principle that everyone should have the ability to participate in sports and was based upon the research available of the day."

The message continued: "We respect the viewpoints on all sides and encourage our members to continue sharing them with us as the matter evolves.

"It's important for the fencing community to engage in this dialogue, but we expect this conversation to be conducted respectfully, whether at our tournaments or in online spaces.

"The way to progress is by respectful discussion based in evidence."

Sullivan's team Iconic Fencing Club also told the Daily Express US this week: "Red has followed every rule and guideline set forth by the FIE (the international fencing governing organisation) and USA Fencing (the national organisation).

"She has every right to compete in the events that she qualifies for, and has long since met the criteria to do so.

"Fencing is rooted in a deep tradition of honour, sportsmanship, inclusion, and respect, and in a sport that prides itself on these values, the type of behaviour expressed by Red’s opponent has no place.

"Iconic Fencing Club supports Red in her fencing journey and will continue to do so in the future."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the LGBT Foundation on 0345 3 30 30 30, 10am–6pm Monday to Friday, or email [email protected]