In a recent turn of events, Harry Potter author JK Rowling has addressed comments made by actress Emma Watson regarding their ongoing disagreement over transgender rights. Rowling's response follows Watson's podcast interview, during which she expressed her belief that her support for transgender individuals does not diminish her respect for Rowling, whom she refers to as "Jo." In her statements, Watson emphasized her personal connection with Rowling, stating, “I really don’t believe that … holding the love and support and views that I have, means that I can’t and don’t treasure Jo and the person that I had personal experiences with.”
Rowling's response was both pointed and comprehensive. In her lengthy post, she acknowledged that Watson and her fellow Harry Potter co-stars have the right to embrace gender identity ideology, a belief that is legally protected. Rowling expressed her desire to see no harm come to them as a result of their views, stating, “I wouldn’t want to see any of them threatened with loss of work, or violence, or death, because of them.”
However, Rowling also criticized Watson and fellow co-star Daniel Radcliffe for what she perceives as an assumption of authority to critique her views due to their past professional association. She remarked, “Emma and Dan Radcliffe in particular have both made it clear over the last few years that they think our former professional association gives them a particular right – nay, obligation – to critique me and my views in public.”
The rift between Rowling and her former co-stars has been ongoing. Watson, along with Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, has openly disagreed with Rowling's gender critical beliefs. Notably, in response to Rowling’s essay advocating for single-sex spaces due to concerns about violence against women, Watson tweeted in 2020: “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.”
Watson's supportive remarks continued during her speech at the 2022 Bafta Film Awards, where she declared, “I’m here for all of the witches.” This public endorsement of the transgender community has further fueled the ongoing discussion surrounding the rights of women and transgender individuals.
In her response, Rowling mentioned that she has “repeatedly declined invitations” to publicly address Watson’s views, primarily to avoid putting Watson in a difficult position. She shared a personal note she received from Watson after the 2022 Baftas, highlighting the intensity of the threats she has faced. Rowling disclosed, “This was back when the death, rape and torture threats against me were at their peak, at a time when my personal security measures had had to be tightened considerably and I was constantly worried for my family’s safety.”
The author expressed her frustration, stating, “Emma had just publicly poured more petrol on the flames, yet thought a one-line expression of concern from her would reassure me of her fundamental sympathy and kindness.” Rowling went on to criticize Watson's understanding of real-world issues, stating, “Like other people who’ve never experienced adult life uncushioned by wealth and fame, Emma has so little experience of real life she’s ignorant of how ignorant she is.”
Rowling concluded her post by reflecting on her own life experiences, contrasting them with Watson's privileged background. “I wasn’t a multimillionaire at fourteen. I lived in poverty while writing the book that made Emma famous. I therefore understand from my own life experience what the trashing of women’s rights in which Emma has so enthusiastically participated means to women and girls without her privileges,” she stated.
This public exchange between JK Rowling and Emma Watson highlights the complexities surrounding discussions of gender identity and women's rights, as both figures navigate their beliefs and public perceptions in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.
