J.K. Rowling talks Brexit results, has never ‘wanted magic more’

By Tribute on June 24, 2016 | 5 Comments

With Thursday’s votes now tabulated, it’s official that the U.K. is leaving the E.U. But that doesn’t mean all Brits are accepting the news quietly.

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has made her displeasure with the decision known through a string of Tweets, which began with, “I don’t think I’ve ever wanted magic more.”

Earlier this week, she posted a lengthy statement on her website, revealing her sentiments on the matter.

Addressing the situation of what was then only a possible departure, she wrote, “As this country has entered what will come to be seen as one of the most divisive and bitter political campaigns ever waged within its borders, I’ve thought a lot about the rules for creating villains. We are being asked whether we wish to remain part of the European Union and both sides of this campaign have been telling us stories.”

She continued, “I don’t mean that in the sense of lying (although lies have certainly been told). I mean that they are appealing to us through our universal need to make sense of the world by storytelling and that they have not been afraid to conjure monsters calculated to stir up our deepest fears.”

The outspoken author then compared the campaign of those supporters on the ‘leave’ side to that of Donald Trump.

Finally, she threw her support behind the ‘remain’ effort when she wrote, “No, I don’t think the EU’s perfect. Which human union couldn’t use improvement? From friendships, marriages, families and workplaces, all the way up to political parties, governments and cultural economic unions, there will be flaws and disagreements. Because we’re human. Because we’re imperfect. So why bother building these ambitious alliances and communities?”

Answering her own question, she added, “Because they protect and empower us, because they enable bigger and better achievements than we can manage alone. We should be proud of our enduring desire to join together, seeking better, safer, fairer lives, for ourselves and for millions of others.”

Agreeing with J.K. and expressing sadness at the U.K.’s ruling are James Corden and Richard Branson, among others.

Check out J.K.’s full commentary below, as well as Tweets from James and Richard. What do you think about the U.K.’s departure from the E.U? Share your thoughts with us!

I don’t think I’ve ever wanted magic more. https://t.co/gVNQ0PYIMT

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 24, 2016

Goodbye, UK. https://t.co/HMRA0AnlWR — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 24, 2016

Scotland will seek independence now. Cameron’s legacy will be breaking up two unions. Neither needed to happen. https://t.co/4MDj7pndcq

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 24, 2016

Brexiteers like the cheating man shocked he can’t stay in the spare room for 2 years while he sorts himself out. https://t.co/Xvjfr6ifPv — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 24, 2016

This is what happens when you try and fix a faulty watch with a hammer. https://t.co/kJSLNfkNnB

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 24, 2016

I can’t get my head around what’s happening in Britain.I’m so sorry to the youth of Britain. I fear you’ve been let down today x

— James Corden (@JKCorden) June 24, 2016

Leaving the EU is a very sad decision that will do huge damage to Britain’s prosperity & Europe’s stability: https://t.co/TAkUH04WKg

— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) June 24, 2016

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1. CDubya • June 24, 2016 @ 1:58 PM

   I’m Canadian by birth, UK by heritage, and I’m saddened. I’m also saddened that not a full 100% of eligible voters turned out to make their opinions matter. Those who wanted to stay in the EU but did not vote and could have changed the tide of the end result should be ashamed. It was such a divisive issue (like our own referendums here in Canada vs QC), and one that needed everyone’s 2 cents. Voting is the best part of a democratic society so this comment is for every democratic country, make your voices heard or you cannot complain and you cannot make a difference without it. Was the right decision made? Time will tell.

2. JL • June 24, 2016 @ 3:21 PM

   A-listers shake their head and head to their wine cellar to uncork their favourite Bordeaux and wonder why those using high rate credit cards to buy an ale at the pub don’t get it.

3. Ethel • June 24, 2016 @ 4:51 PM

   Really unfortunate, and J.K. was completely right to draw that Donald Trump comparison! The world is heading in a scary direction.

4. bob71 • June 24, 2016 @ 7:25 PM

   Magic? Yeah, keep dreaming, J.K. Despite her love for them and her constant use of them as a narrative crutch, the deus ex machina does not exist in the real world.

5. F Jacques • June 25, 2016 @ 4:49 PM

   It is a sad decision
   People forget that at its origins the EU main purpose was to bring peace and in that and within its borders it has been an unqualified success.
   Let us hope that some other system will replace what Cameron’s folly has destroyed

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