Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling is doubling down on her criticism of Hermione actor Emma Watson. The two disagreed on the author’s controversial transgender rights, and Watson recently opened up about where their relationship stands.
Watson is currently on a multiple-year break from acting and has recently briefly returned to the spotlight with two low-profile interviews, one with a close friend for Hollywood Authentic, and a podcast debut on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose with Jay Shetty. As she opened up about how she still cherishes her memories with the Harry Potter author despite their widely different opinions, Rowling couldn’t extend the same kindness and mocked the Beauty and the Beast star on X.
Rowling reshared a video from Intel Lady parodying Watson’s interview. In the clip, the content creator acknowledges Rowling’s impact on her life and career, but mocks that she will not say anything to those who wish Rowling harm over her controversial views.
In the caption, Rowling wrote, “I’m already missing @intel_lady’s Angela Rayner, but I’m here for ALL the spoofs.” Her comment amassed over 1 million views since she posted it on Sept. 26, as well as 13k likes, and over 500 comments.
Not everyone agreed with Rowling. “Emma Watson has more heart and class than you ever will. Utterly bitter vile woman you are. This being your response towards her still being able to show you kindness is pathetic. Anyway [I’m] sure your busy right now with your full time job as a transphobist and all that,” wrote one of the comments. A different person called her “salty and miserable” because Watson and Harry Potter lead star Daniel Radcliffe don’t agree with her views, while another called her a “vile witch” after Watson extended her kindness.
In her recent interview, Watson opened up about their current relationship, explaining, “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, that I had personal experiences with.” She further opened up about embracing those with different views.
J.K. Rowling Has Been Mocking the Harry Potter Stars for a Long Time
Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter sit on a couch in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.Image via Warner Bros.
Rowling’s controversial views and anti-transgender activism have divided the Harry Potter cast, with some actors trying to distance themselves, while others showed her grace. The lead trio, consisting of Radcliffe, Watson, and Rupert Grint, have been very vocal about their transgender support and how they disagreed with Rowling. However, they have always acknowledged how grateful they are for the opportunities she gave them, while still highlighting that they have the right to disagree.
In April 2024, she responded to an X post claiming, “Just waiting for Dan [Radcliffe] and Emma [Watson] to give you a very public apology … safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them.” She replied, “Not safe, I’m afraid,” Rowling’s post stated. “Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces.”
Earlier this year, Rowling shaded Watson, Radcliffe, and Rupert Grint again. She suggest that seeing the Golden Trio actors in a movie “instantly ruins a movie” for her. She wrote, “Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible.”
The Harry Potter 8 Movie Collector’s Edition poster features the art from all eight movie film posters, all of which prominently feature Harry Potter.
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