Author J.K. Rowling has become just as synonymous for her controversial comments in recent years as she is for her literary work creating Harry Potter.
Becoming outspoken on topics like transgender rights, Rowling has faced backlash online, from Harry Potter alumni and even actors she hasn’t worked with (Pedro Pascal).
The latest to address the transphobic commentary is Emma Watson, known best for portraying Hermoine in the original films. And, in true Rowling style, the author has seemingly snapped right back.
So what exactly has unfolded between the two?
What Have Emma Watson & J.K. Rowling Said About Each Other?
The shift began in 2019, when Rowling started sharing concerning views on sex and gender that many called out for being transphobic. Tweets quickly grew into statements, and eventually a 2020 essay that revealed she’d been sexually assaulted but also cemented her stance on trans-rights which she called “deeply misogynistic and regressive”.
Within hours of Rowling’s essay release, Watson posted a pointed statement on Twitter: “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned.”
From then, the rift between the Harry Potter author and the film’s stars – not just Watson, but also Daniel Radcliff and Rupert Grint, was clear.
In a 2024 tweet, Rowling seemingly referenced the stars as “celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights.”
Now, it’s in the headlines again.
Emma Watson gave a rare interview with Jay Shetty for his podcast, On Purpose, which aired on September 24th, in which she addressed J.K. Rowling’s previous controversies.
The conversation began by Shetty asking how Watson felt to see Rowling say she’d ‘never forgive’ her for her views and that she had ‘ruined’ the movies for her.
“I really don’t believe that by having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have mean that I can’t and don’t treasure Jo and the person that I had personal experiences with, I will never believe that one negates the other,” she said.
“I just don’t think these things are either or,” she went on to add, “It’s my deepest wish that people who don’t agree with my opinion will love me.”
Emma went on to add that she didn’t agree with the way that people were being treated as “disposable”.
In response, Rowling took to Instagram Threads to address the new comments.
“I’m not owed eternal agreement from any actor who once played a character I created,” she wrote.
“The idea is as ludicrous as me checking with the boss I had when I was 21 for what opinions I should hold these days,” Rowling continued before again sharing her frustrations over women’s rights being impacted by trans issues.
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