J.K. Rowling Critiques Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Other Stars for Endorsing Transgender Rights.
J.K. Rowling criticized Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and other stars who disagree with her views on transgender issues. The author of Harry Potter, who has faced backlash for her comments regarding transgender people, posted an article on X on Wednesday, April 10, discussing “medical evidence for transitioning children.”
A fan responded to Rowling’s post, expressing hope that “Dan and Emma will soon offer a very public apology… confident that you would forgive them.” Rowling, aged 58, replied, suggesting she might not forgive them for publicly opposing her views.
Not safe, I’m afraid,” the writer posted on X. “Celebrities who have aligned themselves with a movement that undermines women’s hard-won rights and have used their platforms to support the transitioning of minors should reserve their apologies for traumatized detransitioners and vulnerable women who depend on single-sex spaces.”
Daniel Radcliffe, 34, and Emma Watson, 33, both launched their Hollywood careers through the film adaptations of Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter series. However, when Rowling first expressed her controversial views in June 2020, both actors openly disagreed with her.
“Jo has undoubtedly shaped the path of my life, but as someone who has been privileged to work with and continues to support The Trevor Project over the past decade, and simply as a human being, I am compelled to speak up at this time,” Radcliffe, a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, stated in an essay criticizing Rowling. “Transgender women are women. To claim otherwise not only negates the identity and dignity of transgender individuals but also contradicts the guidance of professional health care associations, which have a greater understanding of this topic than either Jo or myself.”
Amid the controversy surrounding Rowling, Watson also expressed her support for the transgender community.
“Trans individuals are who they claim to be and should be able to live their lives without being incessantly questioned or told they are not who they identify as,” the actress from “Little Women” posted on X. “I want my trans followers to know that I, along with countless others globally, see you, respect you, and love you for who you are. I contribute to @Mermaids_Gender and @mamacash. If you’re able, you might consider doing the same. Happy #PRIDE2020. Sending love x.”
Watson and Radcliffe are not the only Harry Potter stars to have voiced their disapproval of the controversial author. Over the years, other alumni such as Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, Eddie Redmayne, Ralph Fiennes, and Helena Bonham Carter have also publicly supported the trans community.
Despite dwindling support, Rowling continues to voice her contentious views. Earlier this month, she openly criticized the U.K.’s Hate Crime and Public Order Act, which seeks to address the damages inflicted by hatred and prejudice. She challenged the authorities to arrest her based on her beliefs.
“Freedom of speech and belief have come to an end in Scotland if stating the biological sex accurately is considered criminal,” she expressed on X. “I am currently abroad, but should my comments here be seen as an offense under the new act, I eagerly anticipate being arrested upon my return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment.”
