J. K. Rowling isn’t looking to make amends with Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe anytime soon. In a series of social media posts where she criticized the Harry Potter movie stars for their support of transgender rights, the controversial writer made that stance clear.
On Wednesday, Rowling shared what she called the “most thorough review of the medical evidence for transitioning children ever conducted” (M.P.). Rowling, who has repeatedly defended her views despite being labeled transphobic by many, went on to say that “trying to discredit” the study “isn’t merely misguided. It’s deliberately malign”.
Afterward, one of her followers responded to the string of posts, saying, “Just waiting for Dan and Emma to give you a very public apology… secure in the knowledge that you will accept them.” Dan and Emma refer to Radcliffe, who portrayed Rowling’s most famous literary creation, Harry Potter, and Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger in the popular franchise.
However, Rowling went one step further and asserted that Radcliffe and Watson are far from secure.
“Unfortunately, no,” Rowling replied to the post. Celebrities who supported a movement that aimed to “erode” women’s hard-won rights and used their platforms to advocate for the transition of minors can save their apologies for traumatized detransitioners and vulnerable women who rely on single-sex spaces.
Rowling has long been vocal about her stance against transgender individuals, sparking controversies that prompted Radcliffe and Watson to speak out against her views. For instance, in June 2020, Rowling faced a storm of criticism after she mocked a headline containing the term “people who menstruate” on Twitter.
Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, J. K. Rowling, and Rupert Grint on Nov. 11, 2010, in London, England. – Artist
Rowling faced criticism from Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness and others, while Radcliffe penned a lengthy article addressing the remarks posted on The Trevor Project’s website.
“While Jo is unquestionably responsible for the course my life has taken,” Radcliffe wrote, “I feel compelled to say something at this moment as someone who has been honored to work with and support The Trevor Project for the past ten years.” “Transgender women are women. Any assertion to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and contradicts all guidance provided by professional health care organizations, which possess far greater expertise on this subject than Jo or I.
Given the level of discrimination faced by transgender and nonbinary youth, Radcliffe continued, “It is clear that we need to do more to support transgender and nonbinary individuals, not invalidate their identities and perpetuate further harm.”
Watson also spoke out following Rowling’s remarks.
In 2020, Watson shared on Twitter that “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.” “I want my transgender followers to know that they are seen, respected, and loved for who they are, just like everyone else.
Rowling skipped a Harry Potter reunion special scheduled for January 2022 on HBO Max, with many speculating that she wasn’t invited due to her views on trans rights. Rowling then clarified to Graham Norton on his Virgin Radio show that she was not excluded.
“I wasn’t actually excluded,” Rowling told Norton, who assumed she had not been invited to join the special. “I was asked to be on that, and I decided I didn’t want to do it.”
Rowling also explained why she didn’t watch the special.
“I thought it was more about the movies than the books, you know? Clearly, that was what the celebration was about,” she said, referring to the event marking the 20th anniversary of the first Potter film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. “No one said, ‘Don’t come.’ I accepted the invitation to do it, but I made the decision not to.
