Duolingo faced backlash after a German lesson described J.K. Rowling as mean. The company apologised and removed the example.
The exercise asked about Harry Potter books. The expected answer criticised Rowling personally instead of focusing only on language practice.
In a statement, Duolingo noted it did not intend to offend and said it had corrected the material immediately.
The controversy highlights continuing debate around Rowling’s widely disputed views on trans issues, which have drawn criticism from many public figures.
Actor Daniel Radcliffe expressed disappointment, saying Rowling’s words upset him, and emphasised his commitment to supporting LGBTQ rights fully.
Reactions and Broader Disputes
Some Duolingo users protested, arguing that language platforms should not deliver political messages. Producer Gaby Koppel voiced complaints on social media.
Rowling also reignited tensions with Nicola Sturgeon, sharing altered pages of her memoir online and ridiculing her political stance.
Sturgeon replied that disagreement was fair but accused Rowling of using hostile rhetoric and unnecessarily deepening social divisions.
Meanwhile, the Polari Prize literary award suspended its 2025 edition after criticism of author John Boyne’s inclusion on the longlist.
Boyne has supported Rowling publicly, declared himself gender-critical, and faced sharp criticism from LGBTQ communities for his statements on gender.
