J.K. Rowling calls for Marks & Spencer boycott after row over trans employee offering assistance to a minor

J.K. Rowling is urging a boycott of Marks & Spencer following a controversy involving a trans employee who offered help in the lingerie section.

Rowling, known for her comments opposing trans rights, has called for a boycott of the British retailer after reports emerged of a customer complaint about a trans staff member in the lingerie department.

According to The Telegraph, the mother claimed her teenage daughter felt “uncomfortable” when the employee offered assistance, describing her in derogatory terms as a “biological male” and refusing to acknowledge her gender identity. The woman lodged a formal complaint and, according to the outlet, M&S apologised, assuring that in the future a “female colleague” would assist her daughter if requested.

The incident took place in March, before the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of “woman” in the 2010 Equality Act is based on biological sex – a decision that has introduced further restrictions for trans people in sex-segregated spaces. The outlet also reported that the trans employee does not carry out bra fittings or enter fitting rooms with customers.

Nevertheless, Rowling posted on X (formerly Twitter): “It’s time for women to vote with their purses. If shops like M&S continue to flout the Supreme Court ruling… a boycott seems appropriate.”

In a statement on 4 August, Marks & Spencer defended its inclusive policy: “We want our stores to be inclusive and welcoming places for our colleagues and customers,” noting that its staff work across all departments and that any customer may request to be served by whoever they feel most comfortable with.