Oxfam bosses have released a statement denying a woman depicted in a cartoon promoting Pride Month was based on JK Rowling.
The humanitarian charity posted a video on social media which included an image of a woman with red hair wearing a badge saying 'TERF' - a term which stands for 'trans-exclusionary radical feminist'.
The term is seen as derogatory to some, and is commonly used to describe women who are 'gender critical' in relation to transgender people accessing single sex spaces and services.
The cartoon footage sparked claims that the character depicted was the Harry Potter author, who has been vocal about her views on gender identity.
The charity has since removed the video, taken out the scene featuring the woman and the 'TERF' reference, and reposted a new version.
An apology has also been issued "for the offence caused" - but Oxfam denies that the character depicted the Edinburgh-based author, saying it had removed the clip due to "concerns raised".
JK Rowling, whose first name is Joanna, posted a number of tweets in 2020 which sparked a backlash from the trans community and had her branded a "TERF".
A charity spokesperson said Oxfam had made "a mistake" in its efforts to "make an important point about the real harm caused by transphobia".
They added: "We have therefore edited the video to remove the term TERF and we are sorry for the offence caused."
Oxfam insisted there was "no intention for the cartoon to have "portrayed any particular person or people."
They added: "We fully support both an individual's rights to hold their philosophical beliefs and a person's right to have their identity respected, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics."
However, the charity was criticised on social media from people on both sides of the debate relating to trans rights and women's rights.
Oxfam was accused of "pushing trans ideology" on young people by gender critical people, while also "caving in" to "anti-trans fanatics" by trans people and their allies.
A representative for JK Rowling said the author would not be commenting on the matter.
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