J.K. Rowling’s ongoing feud with some of the biggest stars from the Harry Potter franchise has once again drawn attention after the author said she has no intention of forgiving Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson for publicly distancing themselves from her views on transgender rights.
The controversy surrounding Rowling’s comments on gender identity has followed her for years, with many fans believing it has overshadowed the legacy of the hugely successful books and films.
Much of the criticism began after a viral 2020 post Rowling shared in response to an opinion article that used the phrase “people who menstruate.”
“‘People who menstruate’,” Rowling wrote at the time. “I’m sure there used to be a word for those people.
Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?”
Since then, several actors connected to the Harry Potter films have publicly stated that they do not share the same views as the author, including lead stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson.
In an essay written for The Trevor Project, Radcliffe apologized for any “pain” Rowling’s comments may have caused.
Watson also addressed the issue directly, telling fans: “I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are.”
The discussion resurfaced once again in April 2024 after Rowling posted about the Cass Review — an independent review into gender services for children in the UK led by pediatrician Hilary Cass.
Calling it “the most robust review of the medical evidence for transitioning children that’s ever been conducted,” Rowling said the findings showed that “kids have been irreversibly harmed.”
She added: “Thousands are complicit, not just medics, but the celebrity mouthpieces, unquestioning media and cynical corporations.”
The post quickly sparked fresh backlash online, though one supporter came to Rowling’s defense and suggested that Radcliffe and Watson would eventually apologize to her publicly.
“Just waiting for Dan and Emma to give you a very public apology … safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them …” the person wrote.
Rowling responded very directly.
“Not safe, I’m afraid,” she replied.
“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.”
Her response triggered another wave of reactions online, with many social media users defending Radcliffe and Watson instead.
“Perhaps Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson won’t forgive J.K. Rowling for her transphobia. Has she thought of that?” one person reportedly wrote.
Another added: “This genius thinks JK Rowling literally gave birth to Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson. Utterly lunatic.
But even if she did, that would not force them to agree with her. Children don’t have to agree with their parents.”
