Graham Norton deletes Twitter account after ‘mild and sensible’ remarks spark backlash

JK Rowling dubbed him an ‘Old Testament prophet’ after he asked to be kept out of the trans debate

Graham Norton has deleted his Twitter account after a backlash to comments made at the Cheltenham Literary Festival.

The TV host was credited for giving one of the “most sensible takes on cancel culture” in the video and called for more experts to be used in the debate on trans rights.

He said:  “When I’m asked about it, I become a part of it. My voice adds nothing to that discussion and I’m sort of embarrassed that I’m somehow drawn into it.

“Talk to trans people, talk the parents of trans kids, talk to doctors, talk to psychiatrists, to someone who can illuminate this in some way.”

Graham Norton has been bullied off Twitter for saying “I don’t really want to offer an opinion on trans people, why not ask a trans person about trans issues”, which is the only sensible answer to that particular question.

— Paul Duane 🏳️‍⚧️ (@paulduanefilm) October 17, 2022

After singer and left-wing activist Billy Bragg tweeted support for Norton’s comments, Harry Potter author JK Rowling hit out at both men online.

She said: “Very much enjoying the recent spate of bearded men stepping confidently onto their soapboxes to define what a woman is and throw their support behind rape and death threats to those who dare disagree.