Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Sarah Paulson and More Condemn J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Tweets

Ellise Shafer
·5 min read

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Following “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling’s anti-trans tweets earlier this week – and her further defense of her comments in a 3,600 word essay – alums of the incredibly successful film franchise as well as other celebrities have publicly spoken out against the British writer.

Most recently, Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the series, tweeted a short statement regarding her views on transgender rights. “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,” Watson wrote.

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Her statement came shortly after she retweeted British Vogue columnist Paris Lees’ reply to Rowling, which included a list of organizations supporting black transgender people that are accepting donations. Watson also continued her statement in a Twitter thread, saying: “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.” Watson also tweeted out two organizations that advocate for transgender rights, stating that she donates to them and encouraging her followers to do the same, ending the thread by wishing everyone a happy pride month.

On Monday, “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe also responded to Rowling in a lengthy essay posted to The Trevor Project’s website.

“Transgender women are women,” Radcliffe wrote. “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 Jo or I.”

Eddie Redmayne, who plays Newt Scamander in the “Harry Potter” spin-off film series “Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them,” shared his thoughts on Rowling’s statement with Variety on Wednesday.

“As someone who has worked with both J.K. Rowling and members of the trans community, I wanted to make it absolutely clear where I stand,” Redmayne said. “I disagree with Jo’s comments. Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary identities are valid. I would never want to speak on behalf of the community but I do know that my dear transgender friends and colleagues are tired of this constant questioning of their identities, which all too often results in violence and abuse. They simply want to live their lives peacefully, and it’s time to let them do so.”

“Harry Potter” actors Katie Leung, Noma Dumezweni and Evanna Lynch as well as celebrities like Sarah Paulson and Jameela Jamil also took to Twitter to criticize Rowling’s stance.

Leung, who played Cho Chang in the franchise, teased her followers by promising her own thoughts, but instead offered a thread of charitable organizations and petitions that support transgender people.

Dumezweni, who played Hermione in the original stage production of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” simply tweeted out a list of transgender women, addressing Rowling with “Dear Jo” and directing her to Wikipedia.

Evanna Lynch, known for playing Luna Lovegood, also spoke out in a lengthy Notes app message. “I imagine that being trans and learning to accept and love yourself is challenging enough, and we as a society should not be adding to that pain,” Lynch wrote.

“American Horror Story” actress Sarah Paulson’s response was short and sweet, quote-tweeting creative producer Ben O’Keefe’s statement with, “Word. Goodnight and shut up.”

See more responses below.

 

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