JK Rowling Says That She'll Never Forgive Emma Watson And Daniel Radcliffe

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has expressed her refusal to forgive actors Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe for their support of trans rights. Rowling's stance comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding her, with accusations of transphobia stemming from her online posts.

In June 2020, Rowling drew criticism for seemingly downplaying efforts towards trans inclusivity by mocking the use of inclusive language in an article titled "Opinion: Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate." This led to backlash, prompting Radcliffe and Watson, both stars of the Harry Potter series, to publicly affirm their support for the trans community. Radcliffe apologized for the hurt caused by Rowling's comments and penned an essay for LGBTQ+ organization The Trevor Project, while Watson expressed solidarity with her trans followers.

Rowling continued to engage in discussions regarding the transgender community, recently sharing and then deleting a tweet about the Cass Review, which scrutinizes gender services for young people in the UK, focusing on the use of puberty blockers. She referred to paediatrician Dr. Hilary Cass' report as "the most robust review of the medical evidence for transitioning children that's ever been conducted," claiming it showed irreversible harm to kids.

In response to her post, one X user told Rowling: "Just waiting for Dan and Emma to give you a very public apology ... safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them ..."

"Not safe, I'm afraid," Rowling wrote. "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 previously defended her refusal to acknowledge transgender identities, stating she would not retract her statements misgendering transgender individuals. She even expressed willingness to face imprisonment rather than adhere to using preferred pronouns for transgender people, emphasizing her opposition to what she perceives as compelled speech.

“I’ll happily do two years if the alternative is compelled speech and forced denial of the reality and importance of sex.”

Other actors from the Harry Potter franchise have expressed varying views on Rowling's remarks. Rupert Grint, who portrayed Ron Weasley, voiced his support for the trans community, affirming that "trans women are women" and "trans men are men." He likened Rowling to a family member with whom he may disagree at times but still respects.

Ralph Fiennes, known for his role as Voldemort, criticized the verbal abuse directed at Rowling, acknowledging differing viewpoints while defending her right to express her identity as a woman. Harry Melling, who portrayed Dudley Dursley, and Evanna Lynch, known for her role as Luna Lovegood, both expressed unequivocal support for transgender individuals.