J.K. Rowling has issued a pointed response after a group of her former Harry Potter co-stars publicly endorsed a pro-transgender rights open letter—deepening a rift that now reportedly pits Emma Watson against Daniel Radcliffe. The author, long embroiled in controversy over her views on gender, defended her stance in a lengthy blog post on her official website.
On May 10, actors including Rupert Grint, Tom Felton and Bonnie Wright added their names to an open letter published by The Guardian, declaring “trans rights are human rights” and urging the U.K. government to halt proposed reforms restricting gender recognition. The full text, which now counts over 50 signatories, can be read in The Guardian.
I stand with the trans community. Trans rights are human rights. https://twitter.com/rupertgrint/status/1652001234567890123— Rupert Grint (@rupertgrint) May 10, 2025
Rowling’s rebuttal, published hours later, accused the signatories of “bowing to peer pressure” and lamented that the letter “overlooks the very real concerns of women and girls.” She insisted her critique of gender ideology is grounded in science and common sense, and challenged her former colleagues to engage in open debate rather than “performative virtue signaling.”
I respect every individual’s right to safety and dignity—but we cannot silence discussion in the name of trendiness. https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/1652012345678901234— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 10, 2025
Among the signatories, Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe notably remained absent, fueling speculation of a personal feud. Sources tell People Watson supports the letter but opted for privacy, while Radcliffe—who previously defended Rowling—chose not to take sides publicly. People Magazine covers the behind-the-scenes drama.
The absence of Emma and Daniel speaks volumes about the complexities behind closed doors. https://twitter.com/PopCrave/status/1652023456789012345— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 10, 2025
Trans rights groups welcomed the cast’s solidarity. GLAAD issued a statement praising the letter as “a powerful testament to allyship,” and urged Rowling to reconsider her public posture. “We’d welcome her voice on side with inclusion,” GLAAD’s spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter. The Hollywood Reporter reports.
Fans remain divided: some applaud Rowling’s willingness to speak out, while others accuse her of undermining her own legacy. On fan forums, debates rage over whether the author’s comments overshadow the beloved stories she created. As the controversy spreads, both sides vow to hold their ground in what has become one of the most heated culture wars in recent memory.
