JK Rowling Criticizes Emma Watson for 'Lack of Understanding' in Trans Rights Debate

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Harry Potter creator JK Rowling criticized Emma Watson for her thoughts on transgender rights, labeling the actress as “ignorant” following her comments on a recent podcast.

In an extensive post on X, the author shared her frustration with Watson and Daniel Radcliffe — who starred in the movie adaptations of Rowling’s renowned series — for “acting as de facto spokespeople for the universe I originated”.

Radcliffe, who portrayed the young wizard Potter, and Watson, who played Hermione Granger, have both disagreed with Rowling’s perspective on gender issues.

“Emma Watson and her fellow actors have every entitlement to support gender identity ideology. Such beliefs are legally safeguarded, and I would never wish for any of them to face job loss, harm, or death over them,” Rowling stated.

“However, Emma and Daniel, in particular, have consistently emphasized over recent years that they believe our previous professional affiliation grants them a special right — indeed, a duty — to criticize me and my opinions publicly.”

‘I wasn’t a multimillionaire at fourteen’

Rowling has not previously been so outspoken about Watson, but suggested in her latest remarks that the star’s privilege meant she was unable to properly grasp the issues at stake.

“I wasn’t a multimillionaire at fourteen. I lived in poverty while writing the book that made Emma famous,” she said.

“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 brought up Watson’s remarks on the Jay Shetty Podcast last week, during which the actress said she is open to having dialogue with Rowling despite their differences.

“The greatest irony is that had Emma not chosen in her latest interview to declare she loves and cherishes me — a shift I assume she adopted upon realizing full condemnation of me isn’t as trendy anymore — I might never have been this candid,” Rowling remarked.

Rowling has long been at the forefront of the debate about gender identity and has previously denounced trans activism, leading to accusations of transphobia.

She has defended herself, saying her concern was the impact it has on women’s rights and single-sex spaces for women.

Rowling reveals annoyance over 2022 note

Rowling also revealed her annoyance at receiving a one-line note from Watson in 2022.

Following an awards ceremony at which Watson publicly made a dig at Rowling, she sent her a message saying: “I’m so sorry for what you’re going through.”

“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 to be tightened considerably and I was constantly worried for my family’s safety,” Rowling said.

“Emma had just publicly fueled the debate further, yet thought a single expression of concern from her would convince me of her underlying empathy and kindness.”

Rowling said she had only decided to be “this honest” about the Beauty and the Beast and Little Women actress now because of the comments last week in which Watson announced she still loved and treasured the author.

“Adults can’t expect to cosy up to an activist movement that regularly calls for a friend’s assassination, then assert their right to the former friend’s love.

“Emma is rightly free to disagree with me and indeed to discuss her feelings about me in public — but I have the same right, and I’ve finally decided to exercise it.”