Despite appreciation, the author reacts with sharp criticism and accusations to the actress
The “Harry Potter” author and proud Terf (trans-exclusive radical feminist) JK Rowling commented in a long contribution to X about the statements of the former Hermione actress Emma Watson. This recently gave her view of the public positioning of the writer in a podcast interview with regard to the rights of transsexual persons.
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Emma Watson: “I still appreciate them”
In a podcast with moderator Jay Shetty, Emma Watson was asked to give a statement on the attitudes of JK Rowling. When asked how she dealt with the author’s “extremely hurtful” comments after her public disagreement for transgender topics, she said that she still appreciates her relationship. She said: “I really don’t think that because of this experience and my love, support and views Jo and the person with whom I have had personal experiences cannot and do not appreciate.”
Watson also added: “I hope that people who do not share my opinion will love me, and I hope that I can continue to love people with whom I do not necessarily be of the same opinion.”
JK Rowling shoots back
Rowling reacted with a detailed message to X. “Emma Watson and her co-stars have every right to adopt the ideology of gender identity,” wrote Rowling. “Such beliefs are legally protected, and I do not want them to threaten them to lose their workplace, violence or death.” But then she targeted Watson and the Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliff with stricter tone. So she wrote: “Emma and Dan have made it clear in recent years that they believe that our previous professional connection gives them a special right – even the duty – to criticize me and my views publicly.”
Until recently, she felt a “certain protégés” to Watson and the other actors: inside. Rowling knows the actors: partly since her tenth year of life, and Emma Watson in particular benefited from Rowling’s protective instinct. For example, the author described that she had “repeatedly rejected invitations from journalists” to comment on Watson. But Rowling also emphasized that the 35-year-old actress “has so little experience with real life that she doesn’t even know how ignorant she is”.
Rowling later compared her own background to poverty with Watson’s “privilege”. She was presented by the women’s rights activist to argue from a privileged life situation, while JK Rowling grew up in poverty and had experienced threats about her attitude. For example, the author said: “I therefore understand my own life experience, which means the disregard for women’s rights that Emma has played so enthusiastically, for women and girls without their privileges.” So far, Emma Watson has not commented on the author’s contribution.