In a public statement, Rowling expressed outrage, saying, “Where is the fairness if they’re all transgender? How can they compete in women’s events?” She likened Petrillo’s case to that of Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer who was recently banned for life after being declared male by the WBO. “Petrillo, like Khelif, is participating in events where they don’t belong. It’s not about identity anymore – it’s about fairness. Women are being sidelined by these decisions.”

Rowling’s comments have stirred up widespread debate, with some supporting her stance on maintaining fairness in women’s sports while others accuse her of perpetuating harmful rhetoric against transgender individuals. Her comparison between Petrillo and Khelif – two athletes with vastly different circumstances – has only fueled the controversy further.