JK Rowling Steps Down from MS Society Scotland?

Posted by: sue

April 08, 2009, 05:08 PM

There is a new report tonight stating J.K. Rowling has resigned her role as Patron of MS Society Scotland, an organization she has long supported. The Press Association is reporting tonight that JKR is stepping aside from her involvement in the charity due to internal conflicts, and has this quote from the Harry Potter author:

"I have now reluctantly decided that I cannot, in good conscience, continue to be the public face of a charity that is changing beyond recognition from the one with which I have been so proud to be associated."

Readers will recall that Jo has long supported MS Society Scotland, often hosting elaborate fund raising gala events for the charity over the years, and has long worked to help raise funds and awareness of Multiple Sclerosis, the disease that claimed the life of her mother. We are working to learn more on her resignation, and will update with more when we can.

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31 Comments

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1143 Points

I wonder what they possibly could have done – or be doing – that would cause her to withdraw her support? Must be some internal squabbling or controversy over funds. That’s sad.

Posted by LupinAscending [WBM] on April 08, 2009, 05:10 PM report to moderator

785 Points

I agree Lupinascending, I want to know what could have happened.

Posted by sp00kym00ny~happy looks good on you! :] on April 08, 2009, 05:13 PM report to moderator

6176 Points

Wow, interesting. I’d like to know what the society is doing that would cause such conflict.

Posted by The Silver Doe on April 08, 2009, 05:23 PM report to moderator

707 Points

wow. poor Jo.

Posted by NyssaM [FTC!!!!] on April 08, 2009, 05:24 PM report to moderator

433 Points

Wow. That is really surprising. I wonder what is going on? Maybe Jo will start her own MS Charity instead?

Posted by mollywobble on April 08, 2009, 05:27 PM report to moderator

1930 Points

Ahh, I’m curious now!

And, Linnyish, I heard that today too!

Posted by felixfelicis11 on April 08, 2009, 05:32 PM report to moderator

2926 Points

wow, this really is suprising, but I believe that she has her personal reasons for it, so I’m not going to question that decision..

Posted by Niphai on April 08, 2009, 05:33 PM report to moderator

11990 Points

The people with that disease certainly can use all the help they can get. I hope things get sorted out. All the best Jo.

Posted by budgie on April 08, 2009, 05:36 PM report to moderator

3908 Points

That’s surprising! Something really bad must have happened…

Posted by Imperiused! on April 08, 2009, 05:39 PM report to moderator

64 Points

To quote Ollivander:
“Curious…very curious”

Posted by Zoom on April 08, 2009, 05:39 PM report to moderator

3048 Points

It is a pity that she has estranged herself from this group. I only hope that the internal issues mentioned are not such that they impede its capacity to reach out to those affected by MS.

Posted by Kirk on April 08, 2009, 05:49 PM report to moderator

795 Points

Wow. Weird.

Posted by Lysh on April 08, 2009, 05:51 PM report to moderator

1661 Points

I wonder what the charity did to screw things up. It sounds like they did something that JKR didn’t approve of. But whatever, MS is an issue that JKR is deeply involved in so I’m sure she will continue to give money to the cause.

Posted by cghambright on April 08, 2009, 05:59 PM report to moderator