They Can “Save Their Apologies:” J.K. Rowling Lashes Out at Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson
J.K. Rowling, the celebrated author who came under fire for her controversial transphobic remarks, is, once again, lashing out against the transgender community.
Only this time, she’s directing them toward her former Harry Potter stars.
In a post on X dated April 10, the Scotland-based self-described TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist), doubled down on her stance by sharing “the most robust review of the medical evidence for transitioning children that’s ever been conducted.”
One follower responded to her on X, “Just waiting for Dan and Emma to give you a very public apology…safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them….”
The fantasy writer was quick to dismiss the notion, saying “Not safe, I’m afraid.”
Rowling continued, “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”
The author has repeatedly used her platform to criticize transgender rights, alleging that trans women undercut the feminist movement. “I refuse to bow down to a movement that I believe is doing demonstrable harm in seeking to erode ‘woman’ as a political and biological class and offering cover to predators like few before it.”
“If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction,” the author said at the time. “If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives.”
“It isn’t hate to speak the truth,” she concluded.
Following her comments in 2020, Watson, the British actress and activist who played Hermoine Granger in the blockbuster series, expressed her support for the trans community. She said, “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.”
“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,” she added in a follow-up post.
In the same month, Radcliffe, who played the titular Harry Potter, vocalized his support for transgender and nonbinary people in a statement for the Trevor Project.
“Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either [Rowling] or I,” Radcliffe elaborated.
The two have not publicly commented on the medical transitioning of children and have yet to respond to requests for comment from various publications as of Thursday.
But they may not be the only actors Rowling will hold in contempt.
Various other alums of the film franchise have responded to Rowling’s comments, including Rupert who played Ron Weasley. “I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers. Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment,” he said.
He later wrote for The Times’ “What I’ve Learnt” series, “I don’t necessarily agree with everything my auntie says, but she’s still my auntie. … It’s a tricky one.”
Recently, a netizen referenced a law that claimed using the wrong gender pronouns deliberately could lead to jail time. Her response? “I’ll happily do two years if the alternative is compelled speech and forced denial of the reality and importance of sex.”
