Well, author J.K. Rowling’s thoughtless comments about trans people has come back to bite her in the Gryffindor… again. Last week, MeUndies launched a new, limited-time Harry Potter line of underwear and loungewear in collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products.
The underwear, lounge pants, socks, bras and robes have designs based on the Potter four houses – Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff. Prices range from $18 briefs to $88 robes.
Given the popularity of the franchise, and to a lesser extent Fantastic Beasts, the underwear line may have been a hit. Who doesn’t want to see a Hufflepuff thong? However, the direct-to-consumer brand, which built itself on inclusivity, was forced to apologize for the collaboration due to Rowling’s heavily critiqued tweets about trans people.
In early June, Rowling retweeted an op-ed piece that discussed “people who menstruate,” apparently taking issue with the fact that the story did not use the word women. “‘People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?,” she wrote.
Her stance has caused fans and stars like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Eddie Redmayne to speak out against her.
This is an issue MeUndies just can’t wave a wand, say, “Expecto Patronum,’ and it disappears. The brand posted an apology to Instagram over the weekend, addressing customer ire about the decision to go forth with a Harry Potter line at this time.
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Many critics saw, including its millennial and Gen-Z core, the new line as contradictory to MeUndies’ position on gender identity equality. MeUndies advertising campaigns have showcased same-sex couples, Pride activations and Pride-themed underwear. According to Ad Age, the brand also supports the trans community such as Happy Hippie Foundation and It Gets Better Project.
“I don’t care how soft their socks and bras are, they can’t preach inclusivity and then give money to people speaking out against it,” one person tweeted about the Harry Potter line, adding that they canceled their order and subscription.
Some responses however were supportive of the brand: “And on to the next…..can we get some Schitts Creek Me Undies ever!!!???????”
SOURCE: Ad Age
