JK Rowling's Ex-Husband Jorge Arantes Admits He Slapped Her, But Is Unapologetic

J.K. Rowling's ex-husband has broken his silence after the “Harry Potter” author said she was subjected to domestic abuse during their marriage.

Jorge Arantes admitted that he slapped her once when they were married between 1992 and 1993. He however denied having abused her.

"I slapped Joanne — but there was not sustained abuse," the 52-year-old told The Sun. "I'm not sorry for slapping her. Yes. It is true I slapped her. But I didn't abuse her."

Rowling met former television reporter Arantes in 1992 in Porto, Portugal. They were married the same year. The couple separated two months after their daughter Jessica, now 26, was born.

Rowling opened up about the sexual assault in a 3600-word essay posted to her website on Wednesday. However, she has not identified her abuser.

Arantes said he was yet to read Rowling’s essay, but said she shouldn’t be involving him.

Rowling has been married to Neil Murray since 2001 and in the essay, she credits him for making her feel safe and secure.

“However, the scars left by violence and sexual assault don't disappear, no matter how loved you are, and no matter how much money you've made," she noted.

The British author has been facing severe backlash over her recent anti-transgender tweets. Rowling noted in the essay that her views on transgender issues were influenced by her experiences as a victim of domestic violence as a young woman.

She also spoke up about the dangers of youngsters deciding to change their gender and regretting it later on.

A number of celebrities, including many Harry Potter actors, have slammed her for her views.

Emma Watson, 30, who played Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” franchise, took to Twitter to note: “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren't who they say they are.

The UN Women Goodwill Ambassador added: “I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are. ”

Her co-stars Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, and Bonnie Wright, who essayed the role of Ginny Weasley, have also slammed Rowling for her remarks.