AMERICAN rapper Azealia Banks has slammed JK Rowling in a brutal online rant for the author’s views on transgender issues in the UK.
Responding to another social media account sharing bullet points of Rowling’s past struggles, Banks swiftly turned her sights on the Harry Potter author.
In her outburst online yesterday, the 33-year-old suggested that Rowling’s views stem from her divorce in 1995.
Amid growing debate around trans issues in the UK, Rowling has been increasingly outspoken on her social media platforms.
The 59-year-old has been at the centre of controversy in the last few years for her views on trans women, which has led to Rowling alienating a large number of her LGBT fans.
Rowling has also been targeted online a number of times by other celebrities and fans for her controversial viewpoints.
In a response to a social media post showing the key moments of Rowling’s life, including her divorce, Banks suggested the divorce is the reason behind Rowling’s viewpoints.
Banks said: “Maybe her husband at 27 cheated on her with a trannylicious (sic) diva and that’s why she’s dedicated every waking moment to making sure her life’s legacy is dedicated to harassing people who make up less than 1% of the global population.”
Rowling responded to her post online shortly after and accused Banks of looking for attention.
Rowling said: “It’s a matter of public record that my first husband beat me up, but you got the likes, Azealia, and I hope they were worth it.”
Known for hits such as Luxury, Anna Wintour and Liquorice, Banks continued later in the day, criticising anti-trans rhetoric in general.
The singer/songwriter, who has feuded with Rowling online before, was accused by fans of looking for attention.
One user replied: “If I pick a fight with the most relevant women, does that make me relevant?”
Another said: “You’re so hard to defend, Azealia.”
A third wrote: “This is an excellent post on losing your dignity and your followers and showing your lack of intelligence.”
Another commented: “Do people who genuinely support trans people really use words like ‘trannylicious’?”
A fifth retorted: “Domestic violence is so hilarious, isn’t it?
“How does it feel to celebrate men beating up women, is it always funny to you or is it only funny when it’s women you disagree with?
“If a man broke your jaw, would you be laughing?”
