"Trans activist" is now the second most reliable flag for deranged public displays, but seems unlikely to surpass the champion "Pro-Palestinian"
Several trans rights protesters rushed the red carpet on Thursday ahead of the gala performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre in London.
The protesters, who wore masks and hats to conceal their identities, lay down on the red carpet as celebrities were arriving and were quickly removed by security. One wore a T-shirt reading "Rowling money kills," which appeared to target author J.K. Rowling.
Rowling has previously said she believes biological sex is "real" and "immutable," and has criticized self-declared gender identity as "quasi-religious" and "anti-science." She has denied being transphobic and has said she respects "every trans person's right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them." Her views have prompted protests and boycotts by trans rights activists targeting Harry Potter-themed events and locations.
The gala marked the debut of a new single-part version of the play, which runs almost three hours. The original 2016 production ran for more than five hours across two parts. Guests included Vanessa Feltz, Richard Arnold, Anne Hegerty and Angellica Bell.
Sources: The Independent / PA, RTÉ, LBC, GB News
Photo: Jonathan Brady / PA