Daniel Radcliffe has finally opened up after J.K. Rowling declared she would never forgive him or Emma Watson.
J.K. Rowling, the mastermind behind the bestselling ‘Harry Potter’ series, which has sold over 600 million copies worldwide and inspired movies and video games, has been at the center of controversy due to her comments on sex and gender. Despite facing significant backlash, she has steadfastly stood by her statements.
The drama initially unfolded on X (formerly Twitter) in 2020.
Rowling sparked a firestorm when she critiqued an article’s use of the phrase “people who menstruate” instead of “women.” She tweeted, “‘People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?”
Despite the intense scrutiny, Rowling doubled down, expressing: “If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased.
“I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.”
Several ‘Harry Potter’ alumni have publicly disagreed with Rowling’s views.
Emma Watson responded on X, saying, “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.”
She continued, “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.”
Daniel Radcliffe also voiced his support for the trans community through a heartfelt statement with The Trevor Project, apologizing if the controversy has overshadowed the ‘Harry Potter’ series for some fans.
His statement highlighted, “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.”
Until recently, Watson and Radcliffe have been relatively quiet about their falling out with Rowling.
Last month, Rowling critiqued the Cass Review on social media, a report on gender identity services, which she described as ‘the most robust review of the medical evidence for transitioning children that’s ever been conducted’. She suggested that the findings indicate ‘kids have been irreversibly harmed’.
She also criticized those she believes have supported harmful policies, saying: “Thousands are complicit, not just medics, but the celebrity mouthpieces, unquestioning media and cynical corporations.”
One fan hinted at a possible reconciliation with Watson and Radcliffe, but Rowling dismissed the idea, stating, “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.”
In a recent interview with The Atlantic, Radcliffe expressed his thoughts on the situation, revealing that he hasn’t spoken to Rowling for years.
“While I owe a lot to her for the role she played in my life, it doesn’t mean I have to agree with her forever,” he said. “It’s sad because I remember her as the empathetic person who created the world we all loved. But I remain committed to supporting all LGBTQ people and that’s all I want to say on this matter.”
