Needle & Skein, a yarn shop in Minnesota, apologized last week for selling “Harry Potter“-themed kits, calling the decision a “mistake.”
“We recently sold Harry Potter-themed kits, and we owe you a sincere apology,” the business wrote on Facebook Saturday.
“I’m a mom, and I read these books aloud to my child. Those evenings are some of my sweetest memories, and I think that warmth kept me from stopping to consider what carrying this merchandise would mean for our trans friends, neighbors, and customers. I made a mistake, and I’m so sorry,” the statement continued.
“Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling has faced criticism in recent years over her opposition to policies allowing transgender women into certain female-only spaces. In an essay last month, Rowling doubled down on her stance, calling transgender activism “elitist to its core.”
The store announced that it had removed the “Harry Potter” items from the shelves and donated all the proceeds to Point of Pride, an organization that provides support to transgender people.
“We never meant to hurt anyone. But we can see that we did, and we are truly sorry to everyone who felt less welcome in a space that should always feel like home to you. You deserve better from us,” the company said.
Needle & Skein also shared an image showing its donation to Point of Pride, saying it donated three times the profits from its “Harry Potter” merchandise. The business also shared a link for followers to donate.
Needle & Skein told Fox News Digital that the response to its apology had been largely positive, despite some doxxing and negative reviews.
“Overall, the response has been positive, with people feeling that we were open, honest and appreciative,” owner Gilah Mashaal said.
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Fox News Digital reached out to Rowling for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Rowling has also faced boycott efforts from LGBTQ activists targeting her books and merchandise. Last year, a San Francisco bookstore announced that it would no longer be selling Rowling’s books due to her views on gender.
Christian Toto, host of the “Hollywood in Toto” podcast, told Fox News Digital that he doubted the owners of the Minnesota yarn shop understood exactly why Rowling’s views were controversial.
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“The media blurs many facts in our culture, like how ‘immigration’ isn’t separated into two distinct camps — legal and illegal. Something similar likely is happening here. And for a yarn hobbyist to take such a stand is, well, the height of silliness on too many levels to count. Sadly, she’s far from alone,” Toto said.
