An imprint of JK Rowling's hands have been struck by vandals in her adopted home city of Edinburgh.
Pictures have emerged of the handprints smeared in blood-like red paint with the transgender pride flag planted next to it.
The children's author has recently become embroiled in a bitter row with the transgender community after voicing what have been termed 'homophobic' and 'transphobic' views.
She reportedly said hormones taken by many trans people are "a new kind of conversion therapy", reports EdinburghLive.
The Harry Potter writer has been very vocal about her opinions regarding the trans community.
She recently wrote: "Many health professionals are concerned that young people struggling with their mental health are being shunted towards hormones and surgery when this may not be in their best interests.
"Many, myself included, believe we are watching a new kind of conversion therapy for young gay people, who are being set on a lifelong path of medicalisation that may result in the loss of their fertility and/or full sexual function".
The writer received backlash from her fans with one person saying that her comments are "transphobic bigotry under the guise of feminism".
Another responded: "Jk rowling is openly transphobic and homophobic.. and believes in conversion therapy which only traumatizes young lgbtq+ people. How many reasons do you need to stop supporting her?"
Transgender rights charity Mermaid wrote an open letter to JK Rowling addressing her comments.
An excerpt from the letter reads: "This week, we have witnessed trans young people expressing shock and dismay on finding themselves at odds with the author of the beloved Harry Potter stories.
"Many of these children and teenagers grew up feeling trapped and afraid in their daily lives, and found in your stories a promise that the most fearsome of foes might be overcome with the understanding and kindness of close friends and benevolent adults.
"As our non-binary staff member Jake Edwards wrote yesterday: To me, Harry Potter meant that no matter who you are or how you were born or how different or difficult your life was, if you fought against oppression with love, you would win.
"At 24 I’m realising that might not be true. And wow, it hurts".
