Martina Navratilova drops 1-word reaction to $1 billion-worth JK Rowling mocking UK pub for removing her vandalized portrait

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova offered a light-hearted response to an incident involving J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. Rowling had humorously addressed the removal of her photograph from a prominent UK pub chain, JD Wetherspoon.

Navratilova has long been a champion for LGBTQIA+ rights, having come out as a lesbian in 1981. Rowling, on the other hand, built her billion-dollar literary empire with the Harry Potter series, a cultural phenomenon that has sold over 600 million copies worldwide. She ranks among the richest authors globally with an estimated net worth of $1 billion (via celebritynetworth.com).

Both women are no strangers to controversy, particularly in debates surrounding transgender rights. Navratilova has raised concerns about transgender women competing in women's sports, citing fairness in athletic competition. Meanwhile, Rowling has faced backlash for her statements on gender identity, with critics accusing her of being anti-transgender.

On January 5, 2025, J.K. Rowling responded to reports that JD Wetherspoon had removed her photograph from one of its pubs in Exeter, a city where Rowling studied in the 1980s. The author addressed the matter on X (formerly Twitter) by humorously stating:

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce I will be taking down my picture of JD Wetherspoon."

The photograph, a nod to Rowling’s connection with Exeter, was reportedly removed due to defacement incidents, though the pub chain clarified its intention to replace it soon.

Navratilova reacted to Rowling's humorous tweet, writing:

"Lol."

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Martina Navratilova voices support for J.K. Rowling’s efforts to protect women’s spaces

Martina Navratilova during the 2024 Laureus World Sports Awards press conference (Image source: Getty)

Martina Navratilova extended her support to J.K. Rowling’s stance on excluding men from women’s spaces amidst the U.S. political debate over transgender women using women’s restrooms.

This controversy recently escalated into a confrontation between Representatives Nancy Mace and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, with the former advocating for a ban on transgender women using restrooms in the U.S. Capitol, specifically targeting transgender Democrat Sarah McBride.

In response to an X (formerly Twitter) user questioning the rationale behind allowing men in women’s spaces, Rowling sarcastically rejected the notion, writing:

"Zero. However, there's certainly a benefit to simpering that you're completely fine with it, can't see what the issue is and calling women who disagree fascists, or we wouldn't be seeing so many wealthy, famous, protected women throwing vulnerable women under the bus."

Martina Navratilova, an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion, retweeted Rowling’s message to show her support for her perspective.