Key Points
Research suggests JK Rowling criticized Harry Potter actors for signing a pro-trans letter, calling them "back-stabbing colleagues."It seems likely she responded on X, questioning their motivations and supporting a UK Supreme Court ruling.The evidence leans toward this being part of an ongoing controversy over transgender rights, with actors like Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson involved.
Background
JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, has been vocal about her views on transgender issues, which have sparked debates. Recently, several Harry Potter actors signed a letter supporting transgender rights, leading to Rowling’s response.
Rowling’s Response
Rowling hit back at the actors, describing them as “back-stabbing colleagues” and suggesting they were motivated by fear. She also expressed support for the UK’s Supreme Court ruling that defined “woman” by biological sex, questioning whether the signatories felt shame.
Actors Involved
Actors like Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, and others, including Eddie Redmayne and Katie Leung, signed the letter, which argued the ruling undermines trans safety in the UK.
Context and Background
JK Rowling, known for creating the Harry Potter series, has been a polarizing figure due to her public stance on transgender issues. Her views have often clashed with actors from the Harry Potter franchise, many of whom have expressed support for transgender rights. On April 17, 2025, the UK’s Supreme Court ruled that the definition of “woman” in the 2010 Equality Act relates only to biological women, sparking protests and a response from over 2,000 industry professionals, including several Harry Potter actors. This letter, signed by figures like Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, stood in solidarity with the transgender, non-binary, and intersex communities, arguing the ruling undermines their safety.
Rowling’s response, reported on May 4, 2025, came amid this backdrop, highlighting the ongoing tension between her views and those of the actors who starred in adaptations of her work. This controversy is part of a broader debate on transgender rights, with Rowling’s statements often drawing significant media attention.
Rowling’s Specific Response
Research suggests that JK Rowling criticized the actors who signed the pro-trans letter, using strong language to describe them as “back-stabbing colleagues.” In an X post, she stated, “nobody sane believes, or has ever believed, that humans can change sex, or that binary sex isn’t a material fact,” and wondered if the signatories felt shame for their actions. She also referenced “back-stabbing colleagues ever ready to report wrongthink,” indicating her frustration with their stance. This response was part of a longer essay she posted on X, where she expressed support for the Supreme Court ruling and questioned the motivations of the signatories, suggesting they were driven by fear.
The evidence leans toward this response being a direct reaction to the letter, with articles from Hindustan Times and Daily Mail confirming her use of the term “back-stabbing” and her critical tone. Another article from Daily Mail noted her previous jibes at the actors, suggesting a pattern of conflict.
Actors and Signatories Involved
The letter was signed by over 2,000 people, including several Harry Potter actors and other celebrities. Key actors mentioned include:
- Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, who have previously spoken out against Rowling’s views on transgender issues.
- Sean Biggerstaff, who called Rowling an “obsessed billionaire” and “bigoted” on social media.
- Paapa Essiedu, cast as Severus Snape in the upcoming HBO reboot, and Katie Leung, who played Cho Chang.
- Eddie Redmayne, who led the Fantastic Beasts series, and Charlotte Ritchie, who appeared in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
- Other signatories included Bella Ramsey, Harris Dickinson, James Norton, and Nicola Coughlan, among others.
The CBR article highlighted that Rowling ignored Harry Potter Day on May 2, 2025, to focus on this anti-trans rant, further emphasizing the timing and context of her response.
Detailed Analysis of the Controversy
This incident is part of a long-standing controversy, with Rowling’s views on transgender issues dating back to at least 2020, as noted in articles like Entertainment Weekly. The actors’ decision to sign the letter can be seen as a public stand against Rowling’s positions, which she perceives as a betrayal, hence the “back-stabbing” remark. The Supreme Court ruling on April 17, 2025, acted as a catalyst, with the letter arguing it undermines the safety of trans, non-binary, and intersex individuals in the UK.
Rowling’s response on X, as detailed in the Daily Mail article, included a cryptic essay where she questioned the signatories’ motivations, suggesting fear played a role. This aligns with her previous statements, such as those in April 2024, where she criticized celebrities for supporting the transitioning of minors, as mentioned in the same article.
Table: Key Details of Rowling’s Response and Actors Involved
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Date of Response | May 4, 2025 |
Platform | X (social media) |
Rowling’s Statements | Called actors “back-stabbing colleagues,” questioned their shame, supported Supreme Court ruling |
Actors Mentioned | Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Sean Biggerstaff, Paapa Essiedu, Katie Leung, etc. |
Total Signatories | Over 2,000, including industry professionals |
Context of Letter | Argued court’s ruling undermines safety of trans, non-binary, intersex people in UK |
This table summarizes the key elements, providing a structured overview of the event.
Implications and Ongoing Debate
The controversy highlights the divide between Rowling and some of the actors who benefited from her creation, with actors like Emma Watson posting cryptic messages on Instagram, such as “To the person who said they like me best when I am not ranting about politics: I like me best when I am not ignoring fascism,” as noted in the Daily Mail article. This suggests a broader cultural and political clash, with Rowling’s views aligning with a more conservative stance on gender identity, while the actors align with progressive transgender rights advocacy.
The ongoing debate is likely to continue, especially with the HBO reboot of Harry Potter, where casting decisions and Rowling’s involvement may further fuel discussions. Articles like The Week provide a timeline of Rowling’s anti-trans comments, adding context to her consistent stance.
