JK Rowling falls victim to ‘distasteful’ prank by Russians impersonating Ukraine’s Zelensky

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy JK Rowling became the victim of a “distasteful” prank by Russian imposters who convinced the Harry Potter author that she was speaking to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on Zoom. I’ll certainly talk to people and see what we can do.” Next, Vovan and Lexus informed Rowling that Harry Potter’s lightning bolt scar resembles the symbol used by Russians on their military vehicles, asking her whether it could be changed to the Ukrainian trident instead. Over the prank call, they told Rowling they were writing “Avada Kedavra” on Ukrainian missiles, enquired whether Dumbeldore was really gay and who he slept with, and also asked about Boris Johnson’s gender. “I hope you’re all for that,” they continued, still as Zelensky, prompting Rowling to reply: “We’ll look after the kids but I really want Ukraine to have all of the arms it needs.” In March, YouTube pulled video clips of Vovan and Lexus’s hoax calls with defence secretary Ben Wallace and home secretary Priti Patel.