JK Rowling Calls for Marks & Spencer Boycott Over Employee Incident

The author JK Rowling has called for a boycott of Marks & Spencer (M&S) after a customer reported an interaction with a staff member that led to feelings of discomfort. The incident involved a transgender employee who reportedly approached a mother and her 14-year-old daughter in the lingerie section of a store, offering assistance. The mother expressed concerns about the appropriateness of the interaction, stating it left her daughter feeling “freaked out.”

According to a report by The Telegraph, the iconic British retailer, known for products like Percy Pig and Colin the Caterpillar, issued an apology to the mother. The company confirmed that the employee in question was not specifically trained for bra fittings but was simply performing their duty by assisting customers. M&S acknowledged that the interaction was not handled as the mother had hoped and expressed regret for the distress caused.

Public Reaction and Controversy

In response to the backlash that ensued on social media, JK Rowling, known for her contentious views on transgender rights, urged consumers to vote with their wallets against M&S. She criticized the company for allegedly disregarding a UK Supreme Court ruling from April that addressed the rights of women in relation to gender identity. “If stores like M&S continue to flout the Supreme Court ruling on women-only spaces, prioritising the wishes of men who want to undress near, or help fit bras on teenage girls, a boycott seems appropriate,” Rowling stated.

Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at the gender-critical group Sex Matters, supported Rowling’s sentiments. She remarked that businesses should consider the implications of prioritizing the feelings of transgender individuals over the safety and comfort of their female customers. McAnena described the incident as alarming, emphasizing that it is inappropriate for a man to approach a teenage girl in a lingerie department.

The complainant described the employee as a transgender woman, noting their height as a factor in her discomfort. “My daughter recoiled, so I politely declined the offer and we left immediately. She was visibly upset,” the mother shared.

M&S’s Response to the Complaint

After the complaint was lodged, M&S customer service responded with an email expressing regret and assuring the mother that future visits would be handled with more sensitivity. They promised that her daughter would receive assistance from a female colleague during their next visit. Despite this assurance, the mother felt M&S’s response was insufficient and urged the retailer to implement policies that would prevent transgender employees from interacting with young women in sensitive areas, to protect their dignity and safety.

A spokesperson for M&S stated that they strive to create inclusive and welcoming environments for both customers and staff. They reiterated that employees typically work across various departments and that customers can request to speak with a colleague they feel most comfortable with.

This incident is not the first time M&S has faced criticism from anti-trans activists. In November 2022, gender-critical campaigners called for a boycott over an advertising campaign they deemed anti-women for using what they considered gender-neutral language. Additionally, in December 2022, M&S faced backlash for a festive campaign perceived as overly progressive, leading to accusations of “woke” marketing.

The situation surrounding M&S highlights the ongoing tensions and discussions regarding gender identity and the rights of women and girls in public spaces. As public opinion continues to shift, the company may need to navigate the complexities of consumer expectations and social values more carefully in the future.