JK Rowling has issued a detailed response regarding her feelings about Emma Watson, following the actor’s recent comments about treasuring the author, despite their differing views.
During a recent appearance on Jay Shetty’s podcast, Watson, who is now 35, addressed the past controversy with Rowling. The author had previously expressed disappointment with Watson and Daniel Radcliffe for their support of the transgender community, which Rowling believed undermined women’s rights.
Watson explained to Shetty that despite not aligning with Rowling’s views, she still holds a fondness for her. She expressed, “I really don’t believe that by having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, mean that I can’t and don’t treasure Jo and the person that I had personal experiences with.”
The comment caught media attention and was discussed on a news segment, which Rowling shared on X, previously known as Twitter.
Rowling accompanied the clip with a detailed statement, addressing the reaction to Watson’s interview. She stated, “I’m not owed eternal agreement from any actor who once played a character I created,” comparing it to seeking approval from a former boss for current beliefs.
“Emma Watson and her co-stars have every right to embrace gender identity ideology. Such beliefs are legally protected, and I wouldn’t want to see any of them threatened with loss of work, or violence, or death, because of them,” Rowling added.
However, she accused Watson and Radcliffe of feeling entitled to critique her in public due to their past professional association. Rowling remarked, “Years after they finished acting in Potter, they continue to assume the role of de facto spokespeople for the world I created.”
Recalling her long-standing relationship with the actors, Rowling said, “When you’ve known people since they were ten years old it’s hard to shake a certain protectiveness.” She noted her previous reluctance to comment on Emma specifically, even rejecting interview requests regarding the Witch Trials of JK Rowling to avoid further scrutiny on Watson.
Rowling pointed out a previous speech by Watson, describing it as a ‘turning point’ where Watson implied she no longer supported Rowling. Despite receiving a handwritten note from Watson expressing sympathy, Rowling felt it was inadequate given the circumstances she faced at the time.
The author proceeded to critique Watson’s understanding of certain societal issues, attributing it to her privileged background. Rowling commented on Watson’s lack of experience with hardships many women face, suggesting this affects her perception of transgender rights.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Rowling stated, “I wasn’t a multimillionaire at fourteen. I lived in poverty while writing the book that made Emma famous.” She argued this gives her a unique perspective on women’s rights that she feels Watson doesn’t share.
Rowling concluded by acknowledging Watson’s freedom to disagree with her, while asserting her own right to speak out. “Adults can’t expect to cosy up to an activist movement that regularly calls for a friend’s assassination, then assert their right to the former friend’s love,” she wrote, emphasizing her decision to finally express her viewpoint.