J.K. Rowling‘s 2020 essay on trans activism made her unpopular not only among fans but also among the stars of the Harry Potter movies. While Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe issued statements against Rowling’s comments, some stars of the movie series supported her when she faced the brutal online criticisms.
Ralph Fiennes came to the author’s defence. The actor who played Lord Voldemort shared with The New York Times that the abuse against Rowling was “disgusting” and “appalling” (via Variety). He shared that Rowling’s work was all about “how you become a better, stronger, more morally centered human being.” He further shared:
I mean, I can understand a viewpoint that might be angry at what she says about women. But it’s not some obscene, über-right-wing fascist. It’s just a woman saying, ‘I’m a woman and I feel I’m a woman and I want to be able to say that I’m a woman.’ And I understand where she’s coming from. Even though I’m not a woman.
Helena Bonham Carter, who played Bellatrix Lestrange, shared that Rowling’s views weren’t transphobic but reflective of her experience with abuse (via The Times). She shared, “She’s allowed her opinion, particularly if she’s suffered abuse.” She also shared that the controversy was “a load of bollocks”, arguing that Rowling was “hounded” for her comments.
The late actor Robbie Coltrane, who portrayed Hagrid, supported Rowling. He told RadioTimes that Rowling’s comments weren’t offensive to him (via PEOPLE). He shared:
I don’t think what she said was offensive really. I don’t know why but there’s a whole Twitter generation of people who hang around waiting to be offended. They wouldn’t have won the war, would they?
Jim Broadbent, who played Horace Slughorn, bashed the call for a boycott against the Harry Potter series. He shared with The Telegraph that the backlash against Rowling was “really sad.” He shared, “I think J.K. Rowling is amazing. I haven’t had to confront [the backlash] myself, but I would support her in that, I think, if it came to it.”
Another actor who supported Rowling during the backlash was John Cleese. The actor who played Nearly Headless Nick took to X and shared, “If I do not agree with some of the Transgender arguments, this apparently makes me transphobic. So…if they do not agree with some of my opinions, does that make them Cleesephobic?” (via CBR).
Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood, initially shared that she wished Rowling wouldn’t discuss such a delicate topic on Twitter (via Variety). However, she added, “That said, as a friend and admirer of Jo I can’t forget what a generous and loving person she is.” She later shared with The Telegraph:
I just felt that her character has always been to advocate for the most vulnerable members of society. The problem is that there’s a disagreement over who’s the most vulnerable. I do wish people would just give her more grace and listen to her.
Professor Sprout actress Miriam Margolyes recently shared that Rowling’s anti-trans opinions were “too harsh” (via Deadline). However, she admitted that the backlash against her had become “unkind” (via Sky News).
Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, and Others Who Spoke Against J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Remarks
In response to J.K. Rowling’s comments, Emma Watson issued a statement, which read, “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.”.
During BAFTA 2022, Watson was called on to the stage to present an award, with host Rebel Wilson introducing her with the line, “She’s proud to call herself a feminist, but we all know she’s a witch.” Watson stood in front of the podium and addressed Wilson’s comment, “I’m here for all of the witches.” She went trending on social media, with users commenting that she was taking a dig at Rowling.
Emma Watson is a queen for this https://t.co/fng3dHsfYJ
Daniel Radcliffe shared at the time that he did not want to “paint this as in-fighting between J.K. Rowling and myself.” However, he shared (via The Trevor Project):
Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I.
He further hoped that Rowling’s comments didn’t ruin the books and movies for people. He shared, “I really hope that you don’t entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you…. And in my opinion, nobody can touch that.”
Rupert Grint shared in a statement, “I firmly stand with the trans community. Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment” (via Sunday Times). Bonnie Wright wrote on X at the time:
If Harry Potter was a source of love and belonging for you, that love is infinite and there to take without judgment or question. Transwomen are Women. I see and love you, Bonnie x
Eddie Redmayne, who starred in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, shared in a statement to Variety, “I disagree with Jo’s comments. Trans women are women, trans men are men, and nonbinary identities are valid.”
Other Harry Potter stars who spoke against Rowling or supported the trans community include Katie Leung, Chris Rankin, Harry Melling, and David Tennant.
J.K. Rowling Called Out Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe for Their Comments
J.K. Rowling responded to the negative comments of Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, and other Harry Potter stars in a bitter way last year. While welcoming a report that raised concerns about gender identity services for children, a social media user replied to Rowling, “Just waiting for Dan and Emma to give you a very public apology… safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them…” (via BBC).
However, Rowling coldly replied, “Not safe, I’m afraid.” She went on to issue the following statement:
Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces.
In a recent tweet, she shared that Watson and co-stars had every right to disagree with her. However, she had issues with the way the actress and Radcliffe constantly critiqued her and acted as spokespeople for her work. She shared:
However, Emma and Dan in particular have both made it clear over the last few years that they think our former professional association gives them a particular right – nay, obligation – to critique me and my views in public. Years after they finished acting in Potter, they continue to assume the role of de facto spokespeople for the world I created.
She also shared in the tweet that she hadn’t thrown off the memory of guiding Watson and others as a young child actor until recently. She shared, “Until quite recently, I hadn’t managed to throw off the memory of children who needed to be gently coaxed through their dialogue in a big scary film studio.”
Before the whole controversy rolled out, Rowling and Watson had a great relationship. It was the author who helped Watson get cast as Hermione in the films.
What do you think of the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling’s remarks? Let us know in the comments below!
