Graham Norton deletes Twitter after JK Rowling row

Graham Norton has deleted his Twitter account after becoming embroiled in a row with JK Rowling.

A row on social media erupted after Billy Bragg praised Norton for his views on cancel culture and Rowling when interviewed at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

In his interview, Norton said there was no such thing as 'cancel culture' and that famous people were instead facing accountability for their words and actions.

Norton was also asked about Rowling's controversial views on trans rights, to which he said: "When I'm asked about it, I become a part of it. My voice adds nothing to that discussion and I'm sort of embarrassed that I'm somehow drawn into it.

"If people want to shine a light on those issues then talk to trans people. Talk to the parents of trans kids, talk to doctors, talk to scientists.Talk to someone who can illuminate it in some way."

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Bragg then praised his response before being criticised by Rowling who said on Twitter: "Enjoying the recent spate of bearded men stepping confidently onto their soapboxes to define what a woman is and throw their support behind rape and death threats" despite neither Bragg nor Norton mentioning either.

At this time, Norton's Twitter account has been deactivated. Yahoo has reached out to his representatives for clarification.

Rowling, who denies she is transphobic in any way, has also been embroiled with Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon over the same subject.

The broadcaster and author recently interviewed Rowling for his Virgin Radio show, a move which was criticised by trans rights activists.

Of the interview, Norton later said: "Am I suddenly the f***ing moral arbiter of the world who says who can be on TV or can't? No. 'I wouldn't have her on to air her views, but she has the right to still wang on about her crime novel.

"The easiest thing would be to not have her on, but that didn't seem right."