JK Rowling has reportedly had the name of her superyacht covered up while it was moored at Marina del Rey in Los Angeles, amid concerns that it could attract protesters angered by her views on transgender issues. The author, who has faced sustained criticism since publishing an essay in June 2020 expressing "deep concerns" about transgender activism, has not been seen publicly aboard the vessel, though local residents identified it as hers on social media.

The 61-year-old's boat, named Samsara, is a nearly 100-yard superyacht built by Dutch shipbuilder Oceanco and estimated to be worth around $150 million; it was originally commissioned for Harbor Freight Tools founder Eric Smidt before being sold to Australian billionaire Brett Blundy in 2022 and apparently later passing to Rowling. Marine tracking data shows it remains at Marina del Rey, with residents calling it the "worst-kept secret on the marina" and noting protesters had previously targeted the boat during a visit last year. Rowling, whose net worth is estimated at $1.2 billion by Forbes, recently celebrated on a boat deck after a UK Supreme Court ruling defined "woman" as based on biological sex.