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Suspended SNP MP accuses JK Rowling of bullying in Twitter spat Suspended SNP MP accuses JK Rowling of bullying in Twitter spat
(about 1 hour later)
The embattled Scottish MP Natalie McGarry is at the centre of another controversy after she accused JK Rowling of bullying, prompting the Harry Potter author to threaten legal proceedings.The embattled Scottish MP Natalie McGarry is at the centre of another controversy after she accused JK Rowling of bullying, prompting the Harry Potter author to threaten legal proceedings.
McGarry withdrew from the SNP whip last November after revelations linking her to an allegation that tens of thousands of pounds in donations may be missing from Women for Independence, the campaign group she helped found.McGarry withdrew from the SNP whip last November after revelations linking her to an allegation that tens of thousands of pounds in donations may be missing from Women for Independence, the campaign group she helped found.
Related: SNP MP Natalie McGarry linked to missing donations claim
The Glasgow East MP is now facing a threat of legal action by Rowling after a late-night Twitter spat during which McGarry accused her of supporting a “misogynist Twitter troll”.The Glasgow East MP is now facing a threat of legal action by Rowling after a late-night Twitter spat during which McGarry accused her of supporting a “misogynist Twitter troll”.
The public argument, which lasted for more than six hours, began when McGarry announced she had discovered the author “defending misogynist trolls” and said she “regretted” queuing up to buy Rowling’s books.The public argument, which lasted for more than six hours, began when McGarry announced she had discovered the author “defending misogynist trolls” and said she “regretted” queuing up to buy Rowling’s books.
Rowling immediately responded, demanding evidence of the accusation, warning McGarry:Rowling immediately responded, demanding evidence of the accusation, warning McGarry:
.@NatalieMcGarry You aren't some random hater, Natalie. You're an elected politician and you've accused me of supporting abuse and misogyny..@NatalieMcGarry You aren't some random hater, Natalie. You're an elected politician and you've accused me of supporting abuse and misogyny.
McGarry appeared to be referring to Rowling’s friendly interactions with a Twitter account named Brian Spanner QC, which had previously raised money for Rowling’s children’s charity Lumos. The account regularly tweets foul-mouthed, expletive-riddled and sexist abuse, particularly directed against SNP politicians and supporters of Scottish independence. Rowling herself was vociferous in her support for the union during the 2014 referendum campaign.McGarry appeared to be referring to Rowling’s friendly interactions with a Twitter account named Brian Spanner QC, which had previously raised money for Rowling’s children’s charity Lumos. The account regularly tweets foul-mouthed, expletive-riddled and sexist abuse, particularly directed against SNP politicians and supporters of Scottish independence. Rowling herself was vociferous in her support for the union during the 2014 referendum campaign.
After further demands from Rowling for evidence, McGarry initially seemed to back down, tweeting: “On reflection, I shouldn’t have accused Joanne Rowling of anything based on folk she tweets or retweets, and sends supportive tweets to.”After further demands from Rowling for evidence, McGarry initially seemed to back down, tweeting: “On reflection, I shouldn’t have accused Joanne Rowling of anything based on folk she tweets or retweets, and sends supportive tweets to.”
But she later repeated the accusation with another screen grab of an apparent interaction between Rowling and the troll. Rowling retorted:But she later repeated the accusation with another screen grab of an apparent interaction between Rowling and the troll. Rowling retorted:
.@NatalieMcGarry *sighs* OK, Natalie, that's cut and pasted to suggest I said 'good man' to that tweet, not to fundraising for charity..@NatalieMcGarry *sighs* OK, Natalie, that's cut and pasted to suggest I said 'good man' to that tweet, not to fundraising for charity.
.@NatalieMcGarry This 'proof' is cut and pasted. I assume you want to retract the apology you made 3 mins ago?.@NatalieMcGarry This 'proof' is cut and pasted. I assume you want to retract the apology you made 3 mins ago?
As more and more Twitter users piled in on either side, the spat continued to escalate as Rowling threatened McGarry with legal action, telling her opponent:As more and more Twitter users piled in on either side, the spat continued to escalate as Rowling threatened McGarry with legal action, telling her opponent:
.@NatalieMcGarry You don't appear to understand how Twitter or defamation works. I'm going to help you out with the latter..@NatalieMcGarry You don't appear to understand how Twitter or defamation works. I'm going to help you out with the latter.
She later said damages would go to Lumos.She later said damages would go to Lumos.
McGarry’s Twitter feed has now been hidden from public view with only confirmed followers having access.McGarry’s Twitter feed has now been hidden from public view with only confirmed followers having access.
The Guardian understands that McGarry’s lawyer has not received any notification of proceeding as of this morning.The Guardian understands that McGarry’s lawyer has not received any notification of proceeding as of this morning.
A spokesperson for Rowling said on Friday afternoon that the situation was being reviewed and that there would be no further comment at this stage.A spokesperson for Rowling said on Friday afternoon that the situation was being reviewed and that there would be no further comment at this stage.