On Tuesday, two Sophie Cunningham supporters sitting at courtside for the Indiana Fever-Seattle Storm game were reportedly approached by Storm minority owner Celeste Keaton. Undivided’s Brandi Kruse reported that Keaton called them “(expletive) insane,” leaving one of Cunningham’s young fans in tears.
On Wednesday, best-selling author J.K. Rowling reacted to the incident and threw her support behind the young fans.
J.K. Rowling Calls Sophie Cunningham Supporters ‘Heroines’ In the Aftermath of Storm Co-Owner Celeste Keaton’s Alleged Rant
Sophie Cunningham’s stance against men competing in girls’ or women’s sports has had a polarizing effect even outside the WNBA. Ahead of the Fever-Storm game, anti-trans groups held a rally outside the Storm’s Climate Pledge Arena to support Cunningham and her stand about protecting women.
While protests raged outside, two Cunningham supporters sat courtside and watched her in action. Both were wearing “XX-XY Athletics” shirts while one held up a sign thanking the Fever guard for “speaking up for girls.”
In the interview with Kruse, they said that no one stood up for them even after Keaton’s alleged “effing insane” comment. Rowling didn’t waste time standing in the girls’ corner after Kruse’s clip went viral.
“These young women are heroines. They’re peacefully protesting against the grotesque unfairness of men playing in women’s sport. The only people who are “f*cking insane” here are those making a mockery of fair sport for women and trying to bully girls like this into silence,” Rowling wrote.
These young women are heroines. They’re peacefully protesting against the grotesque unfairness of men playing in women’s sport. The only people who are “f*cking insane” here are those making a mockery of fair sport for women and trying to bully girls like this into silence. https://t.co/ARKp2ruLRa
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) July 29, 2026
One of Cunningham’s supporters opened up to Kruse about why Keaton left her in tears:
“Yeah, I’ve never been yelled at like that. I mean, I’ve had people hate me on the internet, but, like, it doesn’t really affect me as much because it’s just people online,” she said. “But that just took me by surprise because I thought she was going to be nice and then she starts, like, screaming at us and cussing at us.”
Following the incident, Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder apologized for the incident via Front Office Sports.
“We are aware one of our co-owners made comments to two fans in attendance at last night’s game. We apologize that this happened. Everyone who attends a Storm game deserves to feel welcome, and we remain committed to creating an inclusive environment where every fan is treated with respect,” Gilder said in her statement.
Unsurprisingly, Cunningham got her supporters’ back and did not mince words with Keaton.
“Everyone is welcome at my table! You can disagree and still be kind. Bravo to those girls for standing up for what they believe. You’ll be hearing from me soon, yay for gifts. Truly embarrassing of the co-owner. Unfortunately shows the type of leader she is,” Cunningham responded.
About two weeks ago, Cunningham shared her stance about protecting “biological women” from going up against “biological men.” She insisted that she is all about love, but she wouldn’t falter in that belief.
Several years ago, Rowling published a lengthy essay explaining why she chose to speak publicly about sex and gender issues. In it, she wrote, “So I want trans women to be safe. At the same time, I do not want to make natal girls and women less safe.”
That statement closely reflects the position Cunningham has publicly defended. Seen through that lens, Rowling’s decision to passionately support the young girls criticized by Keaton is consistent with the views she has articulated for years.
