She was accused of transphobia for her polarizing remarks, but she rejected it, saying she respected “every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them” and be treated without prejudice.
“I feel nothing but empathy and solidarity with trans women who’ve been abused by men,” Rowling added at the time. However, she also stated that she disagrees with trans women using the same restrooms since it “opens the door to any and all men who wish to come inside.”
Radcliffe, Watson, and their co-star Rupert Grint, all of whom are strong supporters of trans rights, swiftly condemned Rowling’s remarks.
“Transgender women are women,” Radcliffe wrote in an essay for The Trevor Project, swiftly distancing himself from the author. Transgender people’s identity and dignity are erased by any assertion to the contrary.
“It’s clear that we need to do more to support transgender and nonbinary people, not invalidate their identities,” he continued. He also expressed regret for the “pain” Rowling’s remarks had caused the trans community and expressed the hope that they wouldn’t “taint” fans’ memories of the Harry Potter series.
