Loyle Carner takes aim at J.K. Rowling, “toxic masculinity bullshit” and the far right during Reading 2026 set

Loyle Carner criticised J.K. Rowling, “toxic masculinity bullshit” and the far right during his performance at Reading Festival today. READ MORE: Loyle Carner on combating toxic masculinity with his live shows The British-Guyanese rapper appeared on the festival’s main stage – now known as The Grid – this afternoon (August 30), ahead of sets from Role Model, Florence + The Machine and Chase & Status. Before playing ‘Horcrux’, Carner explained the song’s connection to the Harry Potter series while distancing himself from its author. “This song is called ‘Horcrux’ ’cause I love Harry Potter,” he told the crowd. “But I don’t really like J.K. Rowling, do you know what I mean?” The remark was greeted by loud cheers from festivalgoers. Later in the set, while speaking about his five-year-old son, Carner criticised “toxic masculinity bullshit” and spoke in support of promoting emotional intelligence among young people. He followed the speech by introducing ‘Speed Of Plight’ as being a song “in direct opposition of the far right”. At another point during the performance, he encouraged the audience to “make some noise for the NHS”. ‘Horcrux’ appears on Carner’s fourth album ‘Hopefully!’...