Emma Watson from Harry Potter believes that her relationship with JK Rowling is valuable, even though they disagree on transgender rights.
In a recent interview on the podcast On Purpose with Jay Shetty, she opened up about her thoughts on the legendary author. While discussing Rowling’s negative comments after their public disagreement regarding transgender issues, Watson said she still holds fond memories of her.
“I don’t think that my experience and my beliefs make me dislike Jo or the good times we shared,” she explained. “I hope those who disagree with me will continue to support me, just as I want to support those with differing views.”
Watson’s remarks come after a long history of tension between Rowling and several Harry Potter actors over their stances on transgender rights.
Rowling has drawn criticism for her remarks concerning transgender individuals. Back in 2020, she released a lengthy 3,600-word essay where she expressed doubts about the rising number of people who identify as transgender, referring to it as a potential social media-driven “contagion.”
Later, in 2024, she denied the existence of transgender children, stating on X: “There are no trans kids. No child is ‘born in the wrong body.’”
In response to Rowling’s views, Daniel Radcliffe wrote an essay in 2021 affirming that “transgender women are women.” Meanwhile, Rupert Grint, who portrayed Ron Weasley, has also voiced his support for transgender rights.
Watson has made her stance clear as well, supporting trans rights following Rowling’s comments. Shortly after Rowling’s essay, Watson shared on X that “trans people are who they say they are and should live their lives free of doubt and denial.”
She reassured her transgender followers saying: “I and many others recognize you, respect you, and love you for who you really are.”
In March 2025, Rowling reacted to a post on X, naming an actor whose presence she felt “ruined a movie.” Her joking reply drew plenty of laughter and prompted users to share images of Watson, Radcliffe, and Grint.
During her recent interview, Watson reflected on her fallout with Rowling, wishing that “there had been a possibility for dialogue.”
This piece was originally featured on NBCNews.com
