Jon Stewart has categorically refuted claims made by certain media outlets that he has accused J.K. Rowling of anti-Semitism, insisting comments made during a recent podcast were light-hearted and not intended to be taken seriously.
In a December podcast entitled “The Problem with Goblins: J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter & Jews,” Stewart said:
“Here’s how you know Jews are still where they are. … Talking to people, here’s what I say: Have you ever seen a Harry Potter movie? … Have you ever seen the scenes in Gringotts Bank? … Do you know what those folks who run the bank are? … Jews!”
Following the unearthing of the comments, several media outlets ran stories reporting that Stewart had accused J.K Rowling of anti-Semitism, an accusation Stewart vehemently denies.
On Jan. 4, U.S. media site Newsweek published a headline which read: “Jon Stewart accuses J.K. Rowling of antisemitism in ‘Harry Potter,” a title the former Daily Show host took issue with in a video posted on his social media to clarify his remarks.
“There is no reasonable person that could have watched it and not seen it as a light-hearted conversation among colleagues and chums, having a laugh, enjoying ourselves about Harry Potter,” Stewart told his followers.
On the podcast itself, the U.S. comedian said: “We did that a month ago, so, like two COVID mutations ago. This morning I wake up, it’s trending on Twitter…”
In a close-up to the camera, Stewart outlined his position in no uncertain terms: “I do not think J.K. Rowling is anti-Semitic. I did not accuse her of being anti-Semitic. I do not think the Harry Potter movies are anti-Semitic.
“I don’t want the Harry Potter movies censored in any way. It was a lighthearted conversation. Get a fucking grip!”
Newsweek’s headline from the two-day-old article remains unchanged at the time of writing.
