Screenshot from a social media video showing Iranian security forces using tear gas to disperse protesters at the Tehran bazaar.
J.K. Rowling claims protestors in Iran are “rejecting Islam”
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- Controversy: Author J.K. Rowling sparked debate after sharing a post claiming Iranians are "rejecting Islam" en masse, with critics accusing her of fueling Islamophobia
- Backlash: While Rowling praised the "astounding bravery" of the protesters, she faced accusations of hypocrisy for ignoring Palestinian issues and was criticized for endorsing a narrative that some label as "Western propaganda" aimed at alienating moderate Iranians.
British author J.K. Rowling quote-tweeted a post on X (formerly Twitter) about Iran's ongoing protests that claims Iranians are "rejecting Islam" en masse, a statement that has sparked debate over its accuracy and potential to fuel Islamophobia.
Rowling shared a video from Iranian-Canadian activist Goldie Ghamari who wrote: "The Lion of Iran has awakened. Iranians are rejecting Islam, the Islamic Republic, and Sharia Law en masse. I've never been more proud to be Iranian."
Rowling added her own commentary: "The bravery of these people is astounding. They're light in what lately has felt like a very dark world."
The bravery of these people is astounding. They're light in what lately has felt like a very dark world. https://t.co/el4aTsMo8d
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 8, 2026
The video shows a large crowd marching at night in the demonstrations that have gripped the Islamic Republic.
Many criticized Rowling for endorsing a narrative that conflates rejection of the current Iranian leadership by some citizens with rejection of Islam itself; which may alienate moderate voices within Iran and play into anti-Islamic sentiments abroad, especially given Rowling's history of controversial statements on social issues.
The protests erupted in late December 2025, initially triggered by economic woes including rampant inflation and currency collapse, before escalating into broader calls for leadership change across all 31 provinces.
The country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has denounced protesters as "vandals,” saying that setting fire to buildings and statues are done by protestors to “please the US President”.
Social media users accused Rowling of hypocrisy for ignoring Palestinian struggles while championing this cause.
Others on X labeled the "rejecting Islam" narrative as propaganda, potentially influenced by “Zionist” or “Western” interests, and criticized Rowling for posting it.
