J.K. Rowling was accused of discriminating against the LGBT community.
J.K. Rowling, who shaped the childhoods of millions worldwide with the creation of her Harry Potter books, nevertheless, her stance on the trans community in 2020 sparked debate on social media.
Rowling's stance on transgender rights became clear in June 2020. At this time, she sparked controversy by mocking efforts to promote inclusivity for the transgender community.
She shared a link to an article discussing equality for people who menstruate and commented, questioning the term "'People who menstruate'" and suggesting alternative words like "Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?"
After the incident, the Harry Potter actors responded by apologizing for the pain caused by Rowling's comments.
In response to J.K. Rowling's remarks, actors who played significant roles in the Harry Potter film series, including Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe, spoke out against her.
Radcliffe and Emma also apologized for the 'pain' her comments had caused for the trans community.
Harry Potter author, JK Rowling, claims Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson can ‘save their apologies
One social media user, perhaps hoping to bridge the divide, suggested that Radcliffe and Watson could apologize to mend their relationship with Rowling.
However, the author firmly rejected the notion. Her response, "Not safe, I'm afraid," made it clear that apologies wouldn't be enough.
She argued that any apologies should be directed towards those she believes are directly impacted by the issues she raised, such as "traumatized detransitioners" and women in "single-sex spaces."
The author said the findings showed 'kids have been irreversibly harmed', adding: "Thousands are complicit, not just medics, but the celebrity mouthpieces, unquestioning media and cynical corporations."
Daniel Radcliffe responds to JK Rowling's controversial comments
Earlier this month, in a post shared on X on April 10, Rowling spoke about the Cass Review, which examines gender services for young people in the UK, in particular the use of puberty blockers.
A social media user then questioned whether Rowling was waiting for a public apology from some members of the Harry Potter cast - namely Radcliffe and Watson. But the author made it clear that she wasn't looking to bury the hatchet.
In a new interview, Radcliffe addressed the spat between them.
Daniel Radcliffe said that while she is responsible for his fame, that doesn’t mean he should automatically agree with her stances on things.
He said: “It makes me really sad, ultimately.
“Because I do look at the person that I met, the times that we met, and the books that she wrote, and the world that she created, and all of that is to me so deeply empathic.”
He added: “Jo, obviously Harry Potter would not have happened without her, so nothing in my life would have probably happened the way it is without that person,”
“But that doesn’t mean that you owe the things you truly believe to someone else for your entire life.”
Previously, Watson supported messages advocating for transgender rights
Watson voiced her support, saying, "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."
