J.K. Rowling finally addresses her rift with Emma Watson
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Author J.K. Rowling has spoken publicly and at length about her fractured relationship with Harry Potter actress Emma Watson, criticizing Watson’s stance on transgender rights and revealing details of a private letter that marked the breaking point in their friendship.
In a nearly 700-word post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Rowling described Watson’s views as “ignorant” and expressed frustration that Watson and fellow franchise star Daniel Radcliffe continue to act as “de facto spokespeople” for the Harry Potter universe.
I'm seeing quite a bit of comment about this, so I want to make a couple of points.
I'm not owed eternal agreement from any actor who once played a character I created. The idea is as ludicrous as me checking with the boss I had when I was twenty-one for what opinions I should… https://t.co/c0pz19P7jcThe post came days after Watson appeared on a podcast in which she said she still has “love” for Rowling and is grateful for the role of Hermione Granger. However, she voiced disappointment with the tone and direction of the public discourse surrounding gender diversity.
Rowling said the final rupture in their relationship occurred in March 2022, when Watson appeared at the BAFTA Film Awards and presented an award with the line: “I’m here for all of the witches.” Rowling, who was at the center of intense backlash at the time over her views on transgender rights, said Watson’s comment “poured more petrol on the flames.”
The author revealed that Watson later sent her a handwritten note through a third party, stating simply: “I’m so sorry for what you’re going through.” Rowling criticized the gesture, saying it lacked sincerity and failed to account for the harm she felt had been done.
Rowling also argued that Watson’s support for transgender rights stems from inexperience and privilege, claiming the actress is “ignorant of how ignorant she is” due to her wealth and protected lifestyle.
She added that Watson’s recent softening in tone may reflect changing public sentiment toward Rowling. “Had Emma not decided in her most recent interview to declare that she loves and treasures me... I might never have been this honest,” Rowling wrote.
Rowling concluded by asserting her right to publicly respond to criticism, stating, “Emma is rightly free to disagree with me… but I have the same right, and I’ve finally decided to exercise it.”