J.K. Rowling isn’t planning to make amends with Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson anytime soon. The author of Harry Potter made it very clear in some of her social media posts.
The release of the Cass Review, which found that gender services for children weren’t making decisions based on supported medical evidence, made her imply that she probably won’t forgive stars like Radcliffe and Watson for their opinions.
Her ongoing effort for ‘sex-based rights’ has led the former Harry Potter actors to separate themselves from the wealthy writer and openly endorse transgender rights.
On Wednesday, Rowling shared on X what she said was “the most thorough review of the medical evidence for transitioning children ever done.” Despite facing criticism for her views, Rowling continued to defend them, saying that trying to discredit the study “isn’t just mistaken. It’s actively harmful.”
Afterward, one of her supporters responded to the tweets, saying, “Just waiting for Dan and Emma to give you a very public apology … safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them.”
Just waiting for Dan and Emma to give you a very public apology … safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them …
— Adam Harris #FarRightHooligan (@StAustellAdam) April 10, 2024
However, Rowling made it clear that Radcliffe and Watson shouldn’t feel secure, and she went even further.
She said, “Celebrities who got close to a movement that aims to weaken women’s rights and who used their influence to support the transition of young people should reserve their apologies for those who regret transitioning and women who need single-sex spaces for safety.”
Not safe, I'm afraid. 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.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 10, 2024
When Did J.K Rowling Start Her Debate Against Transgenders?
J.K. Rowling has been defending her position against transgender women for years, and because of those controversial remarks, Radcliffe and Watson have spoken against her opinions.
In June 2020, Rowling faced a lot of criticism after she made fun of a headline that used the term “people who menstruate” on Twitter.
LGBTQ supporters and many actors from Rowling’s movies criticized her remarks. After Rowling’s essay was released, Radcliffe, who portrayed the main character in all eight Harry Potter films, expressed his backing for transgender women in a brief essay for the Trevor Project.
He said “ 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.”
During that same week, Watson, famous for her role as Hermione Granger in the popular Harry Potter films, posted on her social media handle, “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.”
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.
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) June 10, 2020
She also said, “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.”
However, Radcliffe, who portrays the well-known boy wizard in the series, has apologized to those who might feel that their enjoyment of the Harry Potter books was affected by Rowling’s position.
Will This Affect Her Work?
J. K Rowling’s stance on transgender matters has created tension in her long-standing relationship with Warner Bros., despite their otherwise mutually beneficial partnership.
Last year, Warner Bros. Discovery announced a new Harry Potter series in the works for HBO Max streaming service. This series will completely restart the popular movies with a brand-new cast. The plan is to adapt each of the seven books into separate seasons. Warner Bros. aims to release the first season in 2026.
The announcement got a mixed reaction, not just because many fans think the movies did a great job. Some people are upset that Rowling is involved.
Meanwhile, Rowling’s remarks against transgender people have led to reactions from several former Harry Potter actors who want to show support for the trans community. These include Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, Evanna Lynch, Eddie Redmayne, Katie Leung, and Chris Rankin.
