In a recent interview with Byline TV, U.K. broadcaster India Willoughby, known as Britain's first transgender national television reader, revealed that she has reported acclaimed author J.K. Rowling to the police for alleged transphobia. The cohost of ITV's show Loose Women disclosed that she filed a police complaint against Rowling, known for her controversial views on gender identity.

Willoughby expressed her frustration with Rowling's repeated misgendering, despite her legal recognition as a woman. She stated that being referred to as a man by Rowling constituted a breach of both the Equalities Act and the Gender Recognition Act. As per the U.K.'s Crown Prosecution Service, hostility related to transgender identity can be prosecuted as a hate crime.

Willoughby informed that she recently reported Rowling to the Northumbria Police. A spokesperson from the department confirmed receipt of a complaint on March 4 regarding a social media post. However, the identities of the individuals involved were not disclosed, and the department is currently awaiting further information from the complainant.

Rowling tweeted on March 4 about Willoughby, stating that the broadcaster had not transitioned into a woman and accused her of "cosplaying a misogynistic male fantasy of what a woman is." In response, Willoughby described the responses under Rowling's posts as "putrid" and "some of the worst abuse" she has encountered on social media.

Following the airing of Willoughby's interview, Rowling took to social media to respond to the allegations and threatened to file a harassment claim against the broadcaster. She stated that she had received legal advice suggesting a defamation case against Willoughby but chose to ignore it. Rowling characterized Willoughby as a "male narcissist" and asserted that she lived "in a state of perpetual rage."

The heated exchange between Willoughby and Rowling highlights the ongoing debate surrounding transgender rights and serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by transgender individuals. The police investigation will determine if any actions taken by Rowling constitute a criminal offense.

Both parties have taken to social media to share their points of view, sparking further discussion and debate on the topic. As this story unfolds, the outcome of the police investigation and any potential legal actions will be closely followed.