JK Rowling has once again sparked controversy, this time reigniting a dispute with Harry Potter stars Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe concerning transgender identity and rights.
In a recent statement, Rowling criticized “celebs” who she accused of endorsing the transitioning of minors using their platforms.
Both Radcliffe and Watson previously voiced their disagreement with Rowling’s views on gender identity back in 2020.
Wednesday’s Cass Review highlighted the inadequacy of evidence supporting medical interventions in gender care for children, describing it as “remarkably weak.”
Rowling welcomed the report, labeling it “a watershed moment” in the ongoing discourse surrounding transgender issues.
One social media user replied to her:
“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 author responded:
“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 faced accusations of transphobia due to her stance on gender identity, particularly her assertion that trans women should not access female-only spaces.
Recently, she challenged Scottish police to arrest her under a new hate crime law after referring to several trans women as men.
However, Police Scotland opted not to pursue any action.
The author’s viewpoints have elicited both criticism and support, and she has brushed off backlash against her opinions.
Rowling maintains that she is not transphobic, asserting her respect for “every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them.”
She advocates for the freedom of trans individuals from discrimination and abuse.
Radcliffe, known for his role as the young wizard in the Harry Potter films, reacted to Rowling’s initial posts in 2020 by emphasizing the importance of supporting transgender and nonbinary individuals and not invalidating their identities.
He expressed hope that Rowling’s comments would not “taint” the movie series for fans.
Watson said:
“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.”
Eddie Redmayne, star of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, based on Rowling’s book, also said in 2020:
“I disagree with Jo’s comments. Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary identities are valid.”
Meanwhile Rupert Grint said:
“I firmly stand with the trans community… Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment.”
Ralph Fiennes, known for portraying Potter’s antagonist Lord Voldemort, defended the author, condemning the abuse directed at her as “disgusting” and “appalling.”
Eddie Izzard and Helena Bonham Carter, who respectively played roles in the series, also expressed their support, rejecting the characterization of Rowling’s views as transphobic, and instead attributing them to her own experiences of abuse.
Rowling herself stated that her advocacy on transgender issues is partly informed by her personal encounters with domestic abuse and sexual assault.
