J.K. Rowling, author of the fantasy saga “Harry Potter”, criticized actors Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson after both took a stand against the British woman’s acts of transphobia . Without naming names, she spoke about the position of the stars in the face of Rowling’s statements.
In an interview with Times, the writer weighed in on the criticism she received from the Harry Potter cast after the transphobic lines. “Those horrified by my position often fail to comprehend how truly despicable I find theirs. I have seen ‘no debate’ become the slogan of those who once presented themselves as defenders of free speech,” she commented.
“I have witnessed supposedly progressive men arguing that women do not exist as an observable biological class and do not deserve rights based on biology. They walked away and publicly abandoned me. They are horrified by my position and cannot understand how despicable I consider their position.”
How it all began
J.K. Rowling’s controversial statements gained ground from 2020, when the author declared her position on X, formerly Twitter. “If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the reality experienced by women around the world is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability for many to discuss their lives in a meaningful way. It’s not hate to tell the truth,” he said.
“I respect the right of all trans people to live in the way that feels authentic and most comfortable to them. I would protest to you if you were discriminated against for being trans. At the same time, my life has been shaped by the fact that I am a woman. I don’t think it’s hateful to say that.”
The author does not recognize the identification of transsexual women as female. In response to Rowling’s position, Daniel Radcliffe, protagonist of the Harry Potter films, came out in defense of the trans community.
“Trans women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of the trans population and goes against all the advice given by associations of health professionals, who know much more about the subject than I or Jo. According to the Trevor Project, 78% of trans and non-binary youth are victims of discrimination because of their gender identity. It’s evident that we need to do more to support trans and non-binary people, not invalidate their identities and cause more harm,” he argued.
Actress Emma Watson, who played the character Hermione Granger in the eight films of the saga, also spoke out against the author’s transphobic lines. “Trans people are what they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told that they are not who they say they are. I want my trans followers to know that I, and so many others around the world, see you, respect you, and love you for who you are.”
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