Trans broadcaster India Willoughby has reported JK Rowling to Northumbria Police, accusing the author of "misgendering" her on social media.

Willoughby, Britain's first trans newsreader and a presenter on Loose Women, alleges that Rowling's online comments, in which she referred to Willoughby as a "man," constitute a legal offence and are in violation of the Equalities Act, and the Gender Recognition Act.

The incident adds to the ongoing debate around gender identity, with Rowling having previously expressed gender-critical views, particularly in discussions about gender-specific spaces such as all-female changing rooms.

Rowling countered Willoughby's claims by stating there is no legal requirement for her to refer to Willoughby in any particular way, highlighting the protection of gender-critical opinions under law.

Northumbria Police has yet to confirm whether Willoughby did infact make contact, or if an investigation is underway.

The situation has sparked a broader conversation on the limits of speech and the interpretation of hate crime legislation, with opinions divided on whether misgendering should be considered a criminal act.

Critics of Willoughby's stance, including Harry Miller from WeAreFairCop, a gender-critical organisation, argue that misgendering, while possibly disrespectful, does not meet the threshold for criminality.

“There is no possible charge.” Miller claims. “There is no such thing as a hate crime without there first being an actual crime. India is relying on the police not understanding this basic fact.”

“Misgendering may be rude but it’s not even in the foothills of being criminal.”