JK Rowling just set the record straight on this fan theory

It was understandable that the fan-theories thrived between releases of JK Rowling’s massively popular Harry Potter novels. But the fact that ten-plus years later, the theories are still spreading… well, that’s impressive and shows the lasting effects of those beloved books.

JK Rowling took to the internet to debunk the most recent theory: That the werewolf “illness” belonging to Remus Lupin is a metaphor for illnesses that carry a stigma, like HIV or AIDs.

In her latest ebook, JK Rowling wrote:

“All kinds of superstitions seem to surround blood-borne conditions, probably due to taboos surrounding blood itself. The wizarding community is as prone to hysteria and prejudice as the Muggle one, and the character of Lupin gave me a chance to examine those attitudes.”

People treated this news as some sort of “revelation,” and JK Rowling quickly went on Twitter to correct them:

There is no retcon re: Remus Lupin. The so-called ‘revelation’ now circulating is recycled from interviews given 17 years ago in which 1/4

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 9, 2016

I was asked whether Lupin’s treatment by others could be seen as a metaphor for (then) stigmatised conditions. I agreed that it could. 2/4

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 9, 2016

In truth, at a conservative estimate, 90% of ‘revelations’ that keep cropping up about Potter characters are recycled from years ago. 3/4

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 9, 2016

Yeah, so anyway… I’m tired. I’m going to bed. 4/4

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 9, 2016

She’s always excellent at making sure people know where she stands in the most clever and wonderful ways. It’s actually pretty impressive, just like everything else she does.

Thanks for setting us straight, JK Rowling! We can’t wait to see your script for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in actionthis November!