J.K. Rowling has made clear her feelings of betrayal by Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe, stars of the films based on her bestselling “Harry Potter” series.
At age 58, Rowling, who penned the wildly popular novels, has seen her work transform into a hugely successful cinematic series. However, her recent statements on gender and sex have drawn criticism and embroiled her in controversy.
Rowling has openly expressed disappointment with Watson and Radcliffe, suggesting a rift that may be irreparable.
The discord began in 2020 when Rowling reacted to an article referring to “people who menstruate” by tweeting:
“‘People who menstruate’.
“I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?”
Despite facing significant backlash, Rowling doubled down on her stance, stating:
“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.”
In 2022, Rowling released “The Ink Black Heart” under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, a crime novel about a YouTuber named Edie Ledwell whose work is criticized as racist, ableist, and transphobic. Critics on X, formerly Twitter, lambasted the book, with comments including:
“I just finished reading ‘The Ink Black Heart’. How can I describe it? – Utterly transphobic and ableist. – Poorly written. – Unnecessarily verbose. – Painfully long. – The worst of the series so far.”
Another critic remarked:
“If any person personifies how becoming very wealthy dulls you from the humanity that made you successful in the first place, it’s J.K. Rowling.
“Imagine writing a whole pity party of a book because trans-Twitter was mean to you after you were mean to them.”
Several actors from the “Harry Potter” series have also voiced their disagreement with Rowling’s views.
Chris Rankin, known for his role as Percy Weasley, has actively supported LGBTQ+ causes and commented to the Eastern Daily Press:
“A lot of my family are members of the community. It is a huge part of my life and I think, by saying that, you can probably guess where my allegiances lie in that respect.”
He further emphasized the importance of recognizing transgender identities:
“It is damaging to them to say otherwise.”
In 2020, Daniel Radcliffe articulated his support for the transgender community through a statement issued by The Trevor Project:
“I realise that certain press outlets will probably want to paint this as in-fighting between J.K. Rowling and myself, but that is really not what this is about, nor is it what’s important right now.
“While Jo is unquestionably responsible for the course my life has taken, as someone who has been honoured to work with and continues to contribute to The Trevor Project for the last decade, and just as a human being, I feel compelled to say something at this moment.
“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.”
The Woman in Black actor expressed regret that the “Harry Potter” books might be overshadowed by these controversies.
Emma Watson has been vocal on social media, asserting:
“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.”
Her BAFTAs appearance in 2022 also seemed to subtly address Rowling, responding to Rebel Wilson’s introduction with:
“I’m here for all the witches.”
Recently, Rowling criticized the Cass Review, a study on gender identity services for youth, while a supporter tweeted hopes for an apology from Watson and Radcliffe, though Rowling dismissed the possibility of forgiveness.
Despite the uproar, supporters of Radcliffe and Watson have defended their positions, emphasizing their right to opinions independent of their roles in Rowling’s film adaptations.