JK Rowling slams Indian-origin trans executive Mridul Wadhwa over rape crisis centre failings: What’s the fallout?

In a recent social media storm, acclaimed author JK Rowling has harshly criticized Mridul Wadhwa, the Indian-origin trans executive who recently resigned as CEO of the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC). The criticism comes on the heels of a damning report that exposes significant failures within the ERCC in safeguarding women-only spaces.
Resignation and report findings
Wadhwa stepped down after a review by Rape Crisis Scotland (RCS) concluded that she had "failed to set professional standards of behavior" and lacked an understanding of her role’s limitations.The independent investigation, led by legal expert Vicky Ling, revealed that some women using ERCC services had been "damaged" by their experiences. The probe was prompted by Roz Adams' successful claim of constructive dismissal against ERCC in May, which highlighted harassment and discrimination issues.
Rowling’s reprimand
Known for her outspoken views on gender issues, Rowling took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice her disapproval of Wadhwa’s tenure at ERCC. In a series of posts, Rowling accused Wadhwa of neglecting the concerns of survivors who sought female-only spaces, labeling her actions as "bigoted" and suggesting that her termination should have occurred earlier. Rowling’s posts also criticized those who appointed and protected Wadhwa, asserting that they too should be held accountable.

One particularly notable post from Rowling underscored the severity of the controversy, pointing out that the ERCC had permitted a man convicted of severe sexual assault to access spaces intended for female survivors.

ERCC’s response and commitments
In the wake of the backlash, the ERCC board announced that both Wadhwa and the board had agreed on the need for a leadership change. They pledged to implement the review’s recommendations, which include enhancing system robustness and better safeguarding women-only spaces. The board admitted to past failures and committed to elevating their services to meet national standards.
The review identified critical issues such as inadequate systems, poor governance, and a failure to prioritize survivor needs. Recommendations included defining ‘woman’ more clearly within the service and ensuring that women-only spaces are protected and publicized effectively.
Ongoing criticisms and future actions
Rape Crisis Scotland has suspended new referrals to the ERCC until an action plan addressing the review’s recommendations is presented. They underscored the importance of respecting survivors' choices, including the option for single-sex services.
Campaign group For Women Scotland has criticized the ERCC board, accusing them of failing to acknowledge their own role in the crisis. Co-director Susan Smith expressed doubt about the board’s commitment to genuine reform, suggesting that the issue extends beyond individual missteps to a broader ideological problem.