Harry Potter stars, Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, in firing line

Rift underscores the clash between Rowling's views on transgender rights

Rowling initially sparked controversy in 2017

Renowned author JK Rowling has once again ignited controversy, this time directing criticism towards former Harry Potter stars, Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson. Rowling, known for her previous anti-transgender remarks, shared an independent review on medical transitioning in children on X (formerly Twitter).

Over the last four years, Hilary Cass has conducted the most robust review of the medical evidence for transitioning children that’s ever been conducted. Mere hours after it was released to the press and public, committed ideologues are doubling down. 1/6 https://t.co/J4fA4JYgkC

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 10, 2024

In response to a user’s comment awaiting apologies from Radcliffe and Watson, Rowling stated, “Not safe, I’m afraid,” criticizing celebrities who support movements challenging women’s rights and endorsing transitioning of minors.

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Radcliffe, famous for his portrayal of Harry Potter, stood firm in support of transgender rights, affirming, “Transgender women are women,” in an essay for the Trevor Project. Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger, voiced solidarity with transgender individuals on X, saying, “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned.”

Rowling initially sparked controversy in 2017 by liking a post condemning trans rights, and in 2019, she faced criticism for supporting Maya Forstater, who lost her job for stating that people cannot change their biological sex.

The ongoing rift underscores the clash between Rowling’s views on transgender rights and the stance taken by Radcliffe and Watson, fueling public discourse yet again.