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If he were really as sure that his words would only be taken as hyperbole as he claimed, then Rowling sending him a solicitor's letter would do nothing to change his brave, bold, stance. I think he did take legal advice and was told "You dug this hole for yourself" and so he has had to apologise because if it went to trial he wouldn't have a leg to stand on.
In what other circumstances would "When I heavily implied I'd burn you at the stake, that was only meant as exaggeration" be accepted, when it came to making threats? If someone said the same about this self-identified drag queen, what would be the reaction?
why would this be the case. i'm not familiar with this person, but just by going on twitter followers, this guy has like 9000 while JKR has well... millions and is verified. now this isn't proof that the guy has more power but... i extremely doubt that JK Rowling has less or even similar power to this guy.
i can see very well how a large legal team may seem threatening even if you really do believe you're in the right. and honestly i find it less likely that someone randomly went to their legal team about this content and then decided to retract it then and there instead of this being a reaction.
if he had the foresight to go to his lawyers before hand... he probably wouldn't have made the comment in the first place.
that's a lot of the problem with the lack of free speech. if a lawyer or few can send a few threatening messages, it can spook someone who has fewer resources than they do. we see attempts at it too in america (even if the it is difficult to prove libel or slander in american courts). power imbalances can be frightening and it is easy to be intimidated by such a tactic even if you truly believe in your own statement.
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