Mark Hamill faced backlash on Twitter after liking one of JK Rowling’s quote tweets.
Earlier this week, trans newsreader India Willoughby tweeted, “I’m more of a woman than JK Rowling will ever be.” JK Rowling then responded to Willoughby, writing, “Citation needed.” With the author’s history of making transphobic comments online, many interpreted her response as once again saying trans women are not women. Sigh.
Citation needed. pic.twitter.com/phsneRp9hZ
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 22, 2023
Mark Hamill Questioned After Liking JK Rowling’s Tweet
Beloved Star Wars actor Mark Hamill joined the conversation when he liked Rowling’s tweet. He did not comment on the incident until after his fans and followers questioned his actions. Hamill is known for vocalizing his support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Hamill said he “liked” the tweet because it showed someone “speaking their truth to power.” This comment left many confused – especially when they got to the end of his response. “Twitter is, unfortunately, no place for nuance,” he added. “It’s imperative I make this abundantly clear: I support human rights for EVERYONE, regardless of their gender identity, PERIOD.”
So who is he referring to as “speaking their truth to power?” Though Hamill did not directly comment on the situation further, he did like a tweet that said he had intended to like Willoughby’s tweet, not Rowling’s.
Related | Jinkies! ‘Velma’ is the Worst-Rated Animated Series on IMDB
It is very likely that he was liking India’s comment, not JK’s. He’s spoken out against her and pro trans repeatedly
— reviewing books and posting dog pics (@BenReadsSFF) January 23, 2023
Willoughby accepted Hamill’s clarification and wrote, “lots of love, Mark. Agree! Peace!” When outlets picked up on the story, she issued another statement in support of Hamill.
“I’m a fan of Mark Hamill. He’s a good guy… Mark’s totally onside with the LGBTs.”
I’m a fan of Mark Hamill. He’s a good guy. Ignore this crap from @FoxNews – typical Murdoch garbage. Mark’s totally onside with the LGBTs ????????️⚧️❤️ https://t.co/xcp7Rz7BXn
— India Willoughby (@IndiaWilloughby) January 24, 2023
This is not the first time the actor has misinterpreted one of Rowling’s tweets, but he consistently issues a statement in response.
Ignorance is no excuse, but I liked the tweet without understanding what the last line or hashtags meant. It was the 1st 4 lines I liked & I didn’t realize it had any transphobic connotation. https://t.co/vefcuZEQF9
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) December 20, 2019
Hamill Says Luke Skywalker is Gay “If You Think He Is.”
In 2016, Hamill weighed in on the likelihood that his iconic character Luke Skywalker is gay.
“In the old days, you would get fan mail. But now fans are writing and asking all these questions: ‘I’m bullied in school … I’m afraid to come out.’ They say to me: ‘Could Luke be gay?’ I’d say it is meant to be interpreted by the viewer. If you think Luke is gay, of course he is. You should not be ashamed of it. Judge Luke by his character, not by who he loves.”
