J.K. Rowling openly shared on social media that she was upset with Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson talking against her views on trans rights. Radcliffe recently addressed the matter in a chat with The Atlantic:
“It makes me really sad, ultimately, because I do look at the person that I met, the times that we met, and the books that she wrote, and the world that she created, and all of that is to me so deeply empathic.”
Still, he noted that the author’s comment didn’t sway his support for the LGBTQ+ community:
“Jo, obviously ‘Harry Potter’ would not have happened without her, so nothing in my life would have probably happened the way it is without that person. But that doesn’t mean that you owe the things you truly believe to someone else for your entire life. I will continue to support the rights of all LGBTQ people, and have no further comment than that.”
She Won’t ‘Forgive’ The Actors
Radcliffe wrote a public essay on trans rights in 2020 after Rowling’s controversial remarks made the headlines. Watson also showed her support for the community on social media.
A fan on X referred to this ongoing conflict by commenting in early April:
“Just waiting for Dan and Emma to give you a very public apology… safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them.”
The ‘Harry Potter’ writer’s reply read:
“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.”
The Writer Has New Projects Despite The Backlash
Some ‘Harry Potter’ actors, including Evanna Lynch, Helena Bonham Carter, and Ralph Fiennes, defended J.K. Rowling in the middle of backlash. She also kept joining new projects despite the ongoing criticism.
HBO announced a ‘Harry Potter’ reboot show with Rowling last year. They are currently looking for a showrunner for the ten-season series. Its debut is expected in 2026.
Meanwhile, the writer is working on an adaptation of her children’s book ‘The Christmas Pig.’ The project is in the early stages at Bronte and has not yet found a production company. There’s no release date for it yet.
