JK Rowling has made it clear that she holds no forgiveness for actors Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe after they expressed their support for transgender rights. This statement from Rowling follows a history of controversy surrounding the author, who has faced accusations of transphobia due to her online posts.
In June 2020, Rowling drew criticism for seemingly trivialising efforts to be inclusive to the transgender community. She shared a link to an article titled “Opinion: Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate,” accompanied by a comment questioning the terminology used. She wrote, “’People who menstruate’. I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?”
Following the backlash, both Radcliffe and Watson, known for their roles in the Harry Potter series, voiced their support for the transgender community. Radcliffe apologised for the hurt caused by Rowling’s comments and penned an essay for The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ+ organisation. Watson, on her part, expressed solidarity with her transgender followers, affirming their visibility, respect, and love.
Rowling reignited discussions about the transgender community by sharing a now-deleted tweet regarding the Cass Review, which scrutinises gender services for young individuals in the UK, particularly regarding the use of puberty blockers. She praised paediatrician Dr. Hilary Cass’ report as the most thorough examination of medical evidence concerning transitioning children. Rowling asserted that the findings indicated irreversible harm to children, implicating not only medical professionals but also celebrities, media, and corporations.
Responding to a user’s comment on X, Rowling made it clear that she does not expect public apologies from Watson and Radcliffe, stating that they are not “safe” in that assumption. She criticised celebrities who supported movements she believes undermine women’s rights and advocate for the transitioning of minors, suggesting that apologies should be directed towards individuals who have experienced trauma from detransitioning and women who rely on single-sex spaces.
Rowling has adamantly defended her stance on misgendering transgender individuals, asserting that she will not retract her statements or engage in compelled speech. She even stated that she would prefer imprisonment over complying with pronoun preferences, emphasising her refusal to deny the reality and significance of biological sex.
