Duolingo apologised after a German exercise criticised J.K. Rowling. The app confirmed it deleted the controversial sentence immediately.
The lesson asked students about Harry Potter. The set answer included a negative opinion about Rowling instead of focusing purely on grammar.
Duolingo said it regretted any offence and promised users content would stay neutral in future.
Rowling’s views on trans rights continue to provoke controversy, drawing criticism from activists, readers, and actors linked to Harry Potter films.
Daniel Radcliffe admitted her stance saddened him and reiterated his strong support for LGBTQ rights.
Wider Repercussions in Culture and Literature
Some app users objected to political messaging. Producer Gaby Koppel attacked Duolingo on social media, calling the lesson inappropriate.
Meanwhile, Rowling reignited tensions with Nicola Sturgeon by sharing photos of annotated pages from the former leader’s autobiography.
Sturgeon remarked that Rowling has the right to disagree but accused her of using divisive and inflammatory rhetoric.
Elsewhere, the Polari Prize suspended its 2025 award after criticism of John Boyne being included on the longlist.
Boyne defended Rowling openly, described himself as gender-critical, and faced intense backlash from LGBTQ groups across the UK.
