J.K. Rowling recently replied to a fan tweet about waiting for Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson’s public apology for supporting trans rights. The X user also assumed that the ‘Harry Potter’ actors would be ‘safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them.’ The author noted:
“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.”
Rowling has been vocal in her anti-trans stance for years. The self-described TERF previously argued that trans women posed a threat to feminist movement and said she was willing to face prison for her beliefs.
Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson didn’t specifically address the issue of transitioning minors before. But the two repeatedly shared their support for the trans community against the writer’s comments.
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
The Clash Between The ‘Harry Potter’ Writer And Actors
J.K. Rowling claimed that transgender rights threatened the safety of biological women and gave opportunities to predators in a 2020 essay she wrote.
Radcliffe responded to Rowling’s essay with a supportive message for trans women 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 [Rowling] or I.”
Watson also took to social media for support:
“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 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.”
The author’s stance received negative reactions from other ‘Harry Potter’ cast members, including Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, Evanna Lynch, Eddie Redmayne, Katie Leung, and Chris Rankin.
