JK Rowling blasts BBC as footballer with ‘high testosterone levels’ win award: ‘Spitting in women’s faces’

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has accused the BBC of “spitting in women’s faces” after the broadcaster honoured footballer Barbra Banda with an award.

It comes after the Zambian player was withdrawn from the Women’s Africa Cup on Nations in 2022 for having high testosterone levels.

Banda, 24, who scored a hat-trick at the Paris Olympics, received the award form a five-player shortlist.

Responding to a post on X which read: “Just extraordinary. BBC names player withdrawn from 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for failing to meet sex eligibility rules as Women’s Footballer of the Year,” Rowling, 59, slammed the BBC.

Sharing the post, she wrote: “Presumably the BBC decided this was more time efficient than going door to door to spit directly in women’s faces.”

Two years ago, the football player was withdrawn from the Zambian squad before she could undergo sex testing.

At the time, the BBC reported the story, quoting president of the Zambian federation Andrew Kamanga, who stated: “All players had to undergo gender verification, a CAF [Confederation of African Football] requirement, and unfortunately she did not meet the criteria set by CAF.”

It came following concerns about high testosterone levels as the debate surrounding fairness in women’s sport continues.

The Telegraph reported last year that Banda had not undergone a test and was withdrawn from the competition preemptively.

Author Rowling has been making headlines in the last few years, with the writer facing constant backlash amid claims she is being “transphobic”.

Despite her passionate views on gender identity, Rowling has strongly denied accusations of transphobia.

Presumably the BBC decided this was more time efficient than going door to door to spit directly in women’s faces. https://t.co/JGGdIVxYNB

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 26, 2024

Banda said she was “shocked and surprised to have this award right by my side”, adding: “I would like to thank the people who voted and everyone who has played a part in my life and my career – my family, my national team in Zambia and especially the Pride team.

“It is for everyone,” she added. Many others have also slammed the decision by the BBC, with Tish Reid, a 1992 British Olympic rower, arguing that “obligatory sex screening would negate any rumours and controversy around individuals competing in the female sporting arena”.

The Women’s Rights Network accused the BBC of bringing female sport into “disrepute” by including Banda on the shortlist – in response, the broadcaster noted that their selection panel did not include any BBC personnel, and the winner was determined by public vote.

Olympian Sharron Davies, a strong supporter of women’s safety in sport, also penned on social media: “It’s so sad the BBC are actively encouraging the destruction & loss of opportunities for female athletes in sport.”

The 62-year-old continued: “I’m so disheartened & disappointed they are actively cheering this unfairness on.”

The award was decided through public voting after nominees were selected by a panel of global football experts, including coaches, players, administrators and non-BBC journalists.

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In a statement, the BBC said: “As well as playing in the past two Olympic Games and the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup, Barbra Banda plays for the Zambian national women’s team and in the USA for Orlando Pride making her fully eligible for the award which celebrates talent in women’s football.

“The five-player shortlist was decided by an expert panel made up of current and former professionals, coaches and journalists based on performances in the last twelve months, with the winner voted for by the public,” the Telegraph reports.

GB News has contacted the BBC for a comment.