In a recent exchange that has sparked widespread attention, a television writer took aim at actress Keira Knightley following her dismissive response to criticisms directed at author J.K. Rowling regarding her contentious views on the transgender community.

Jill Weinberger, who has an impressive portfolio working on hit series such as NCIS, Chicago Fire, Station 19, and Leverage: Redemption, criticized Knightley by suggesting the actress shows minimal concern for transgender individuals.

The reaction from Weinberger came after a clip of Knightley went viral. In the video, Knightley was questioned about the public’s calls to boycott the Harry Potter audiobook in light of Rowling’s stance. Knightley, who is set to lend her voice to the character of Professor Dolores Umbridge in an upcoming audio series, appeared unaware of the ongoing debate and responded with an awkward laugh.

Addressing the situation, Knightley commented, “I think we’re all living in a period of time right now. We’re all going to have to figure out how to live together, aren’t we?” Her remarks have since stirred discussion about the role public figures play in socially sensitive issues, especially those that attract significant media attention.

The actress, who voices the role of Professor Dolores Umbridge in the forthcoming series, said she was ‘not aware’ of the controversy’ followed by an awkward laugh.

‘I think we’re all living in a period of time right now. We’re all going to have to figure out how to live together, aren’t we,’ Knightley responded.

‘We’ve all got very different opinions. So I hope we can all find respect.’

But her answer was deemed lackluster by Weinberger who took to social media app Bluesky to slam the remarks. 

TV Writer Jill Weinberger (pictured) called out actress Keira Knightley and said she ‘cares so little’ about trans people

Keira Knightley was asked about J.K. Rowling’s outspoke dissent for the trans community while being interviewed for her new movie The Woman in Cabin 10

‘Keira Knightley cares so little about trans people that she couldn’t even be bothered to prep an answer about working w/ Rowling & just seemed very angry to be asked,’ the writer said.

‘And no, I don’t believe that she didn’t know. Come on.’

Rowling has been an open dissenter of trans rights for years and has faced an intense backlash over her outspoken beliefs.

Earlier this month the author wrote on X, ‘A woman is someone who doesn’t need to put in any work to become a woman, because she’s already a woman.’

In May she posted that ‘nobody sane believes, or has ever believed, that humans can change sex, or that binary sex isn’t a material fact.’

By contrast Weinberger is an outspoken advocate for the trans community.

Her social media bio reads, ‘TERFs, racists, anti-Semites, homophobes, etc. – this is not the feed you’re looking for.’

Commenters under Weinberger’s post seemed to agree with her assessment. 

Knightley was asked about the controversy during a press junket for her latest project

Fans have chosen to boycott JK Rowling’s new Harry Potter audiobooks because of her anti-trans views

‘I’ve never been impressed with Keira Knightley, and this just solidifies that opinion,’ wrote one commenter. 

‘Maybe not “very angry”? BUT entirely disingenuous and deceitful,’ another said. 

‘“We’re all going to have to figure out how to live together, aren’t we?” she said, without a trace of self-awareness,’ a third added said. 

However some defended Knightley on Decider’s video saying: ‘Big ups to Keira Knightley for not getting baited by this interviewer. 

‘It’s about time people were able to take on projects or work without having to worry about being cancelled because of someone else’s views.’

‘Good for her! Just ignore the noise, everyone’s trying to cancel everyone. She’s right, just get along!,’ another added.

Knightley recorded the audiobooks alongside a star studded cast including James McAvoy, Leo Woodall, and Kit Harrington.

The series will begin to roll out November 4, 2025 with the final book released on May 12, 2026.

Daily Mail has reached out to Knightley, Rowling and Weinberger for comment.