John Cleese accused of being transphobic while defending JK Rowling

Comedy actor John Cleese has been accused of being transphobic after admitting that he is “not that interested” in the rights of transgender people.

The Monty Python star is facing backlash after revealing on Twitter that he signed a letter of support for Harry Potter author JK Rowling and her views on transgender issues.

“Deep down, I want to be a Cambodian policewoman. Is it allowed or am I not being realistic?” He responded to someone who asked why he couldn’t “let people be who they want to be.”

When asked if she would accept that Rowling made “some pretty unsympathetic statements regarding those people who identify differently,” Cleese joked, “That depends on who I identify with today …”

“I’m afraid I’m not that interested in trans people,” he admitted when pressured to “be frank” about his views on the Rowling controversy.

“Make [that] sound hard of heart? “I ask.

He later complained that critics showed a “total lack of perspective” as well as a “total lack of a sense of humor” and asked, “Have you heard a joke yet?”

Cleese later admitted that her “understanding is superficial” but wrote: “When a woman who was once a man is competing against women who have always been women, I think she has an advantage, because she inherited a man’s body, which generally it is bigger and stronger than a woman’s.

“Does that prove a phobia?” he asked his critics.

His fans were outraged by the statements.

“Oh man. I’ve been a fan of Monty Python and some of your other work for years and it’s so disappointing to see you take such a hurtful stance on this issue,” one tweeted.

“Are trans people being attacked and invalidated from all angles, and instead of providing support and encouragement? You say this.”