Piers Morgan has defended JK Rowling, claiming that there is a "toxic debate" around women's rights and that the author has been treated "despicably" for sharing her views in recent years.
It comes following a backlash directed towards the author, 56, over comments that she has made in relation to gender identity and the transgender community.
This included controversy over the definition of a woman, particularly in relation to menstruation, with such prompting criticism of the writer, known for the Harry Potter series.
Rowling previously said that she "respects every trans person's right to live in a way that feels comfortable to them," but said it's not "hateful" for her to discuss that her life has been shaped "by being female."
While she has been hit with much criticism over her remarks, among those to defend Rowling is Morgan, 56, despite them having feuded previously.
The journalist opened up about the situation in a column for the Sun which was published earlier today, in which he shared his views on the debate and gender identity.
In the lengthy column, Morgan said he "respects" a trans person's right to be called by their preferred pronoun and "unequivocally" supports their rights to equality and fairness.
He however said that he doesn't agree with all the discourse surrounding the community, stating that "you can't [...] deny the reality of biological sex" - calling such "irrefutable."
Morgan said those who "dare to defend women's right to be called women or state simple biological facts about sex" should be prepared for a backlash as a result.
He said that such individuals are likely to be "viciously shamed, vilified and abused by the intolerant cancel culture mob," who will attempt to destroy the person's life.
The journalist said that Rowling had been "the worst victim" of such a backlash, with him commenting that the way she has been treated has been an "absolute disgrace."
He said she became the "poster girl for supposed trans-bashing" when she expressed concern over government plans for people to declare their own gender.
Morgan said he has "no reason" to defend her, admitting that they have themselves had a "lengthy feud" - which he said was sparked by his friendship with Donald Trump.
He said that she referred to the journalist as a "fact-free, amoral, bigotry-apologising celebrity toady" in the past, though he now feels that he must stand up for her.
Morgan said that the reason for this was her "adherence to basic facts about biology."
He said that she's done "nothing wrong," other than "courageously" defend other women amongst the "increasingly toxic debate" that he intensified recently.
Morgan said she has subsequently been treated "despicably" by many women - who he said lacked her clarity of vision and "steely resolve" to fight for women's rights.
He concluded the column - in which he expressed other views surrounding the wider debate - by saying that there's a "special place in hell" for women targeting Rowling.
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