JK Rowling responds to ongoing rift with Emma Watson over transgender rights
Share and Follow


JK Rowling has responded after Emma Watson made conciliatory comments in a podcast posted Wednesday about their relationship which has been marked for years by conflicting views on transgender rights.

On Monday, JK Rowling posted to her 14.4 million X followers a nearly 700-word response to Emma Watson’s latest remarks about their ongoing conflict.

“Emma Watson and her co-stars have every right to embrace gender identity ideology,” Rowling wrote. “Such beliefs are legally protected, and I wouldn’t want to see any of them threatened with loss of work, or violence, or death, because of them.”

She then targeted Watson and her “Harry Potter” co-star Daniel Radcliff for their public critiques of the author’s views.

“However, Emma and Dan in particular have both made it clear over the last few years that they think our former professional association gives them a particular right — nay, obligation — to critique me and my views in public.”

Rowling said that until recently she felt a “certain protectiveness” over Watson and her co-stars who she has known since they were ten-years-old, stating that she has “repeatedly declined invitations from journalists to comment on Emma specifically.”

The author said the actor “has so little experience of real life she’s ignorant of how ignorant she is.”

Rowling later compared her own background of poverty to Watson’s “privileges.”

“I wasn’t a multimillionaire at 14. I lived in poverty while writing the book that made Emma famous,” Rowling wrote. “I therefore understand from my own life experience what the trashing of women’s rights in which Emma has so enthusiastically participated means to women and girls without her privileges.”

Rowling’s remarks on X came after Watson discussed her feelings toward Rowling in a sit-down interview for the “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” podcast posted Wednesday.

When asked by Shetty how she’s dealing with Rowling’s “extremely hurtful” comments following their public break over transgender issues, Watson said that she still treasures their relationship.

“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.”

She continued, saying that she hopes “people who don’t agree with my opinion will love me, and I hope I can keep loving people who I don’t necessarily share the same opinion with.”

Watson’s manager did not immediately reply to an NBC News request for comment.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Share Final Thoughts on Their Blissful Marriage

Nicole Kidman made no secret of her feelings about her marriage to…
Man arrested by Secret Service after 'scaling White House fence'

Secret Service Detains Man After ‘Climbing White House Fence’ Attempt

A man was detained by members of the United States Secret Service…
Ex-Nets co-owner and Democratic fundraiser sued for alleged assault

Former Nets Co-owner and Democratic Donor Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Assault

Arthur ‘Artie’ Rabin, a well-known figure in the apparel industry and a…
FBI investigating Michigan church shooting as 'targeted' violence; some worshippers unaccounted for

FBI investigating Michigan church shooting as ‘targeted’ violence; some worshippers unaccounted for

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The FBI is looking…
Live updates: Shutdown meeting with Trump ends with GOP, Democrats pointing fingers

Live Coverage: Trump Meets with GOP and Democrats, Blame Game Follows

Democrats, Republicans and administration officials left a meeting at the White House…
Armed U.S. Border Patrol agents spotted in downtown Chicago as part of ongoing 'Operation Midway Blitz'

Armed Border Patrol Agents Seen in Downtown Chicago for ‘Operation Midway Blitz’

CHICAGO (WGN) U.S. Border Patrol agents, many armed and wearing masks, were…
Hostage’s family pleads for ceasefire: 'We need to end this war'

Family of Captive Urges for Peace: ‘This War Must End’

() The families of Israeli hostages are closely watching Monday’s talks between…
Trump's most hated Republican fears Elon backing will ignite MAGA war

Top Trump Critic Among Republicans Worried Elon Musk’s Support May Trigger a MAGA Conflict

Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie is striving to ensure his political struggle doesn’t…