Author JK Rowling has publicly criticized Emma Watson, the actress best known for playing Hermione Granger in the ‘Harry Potter’ films, saying, “She is ignorant of how ignorant she is.” The comment, made on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has further deepened the long-running public divide between Rowling and several stars of the film series over transgender rights. This latest exchange came after Rowling voiced her support for a new UK report on gender services for young people.
Key Takeaways
- JK Rowling called Emma Watson “ignorant” in a post on X.
- Her comments followed her endorsement of the Cass Review, a report on gender identity services in the UK.
- Rowling implied Watson and Daniel Radcliffe should apologize for supporting transgender youth.
- The disagreement traces back to 2020, when Rowling’s views on gender identity first drew widespread backlash.
The tension began once again after Rowling praised the Cass Review, an independent report commissioned by NHS England to examine gender identity services for children and adolescents. Following her post, one X user suggested that Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson were probably waiting for a public apology from her. Rowling’s response was sharp. She wrote that celebrities who “used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatized detransition and vulnerable women.”
Not long after, another user brought up Emma Watson by name, prompting Rowling to fire back with her pointed remark: “She is ignorant of how ignorant she is.” The directness of the comment stood out, especially since Rowling has often criticized her detractors more broadly rather than singling them out.
This clash is part of a broader history of disagreement. Rowling has been outspoken about her views on sex and gender identity for years. Back in 2020, she published a lengthy essay that outlined her position, sparking accusations of transphobia.
Many of the ‘Harry Potter’ actors distanced themselves from her at the time. Emma Watson, for instance, tweeted in June 2020, “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are.” Daniel Radcliffe also made his stance clear in a post for The Trevor Project, where he wrote, “Transgender women are women.”
Rowling’s latest remarks suggest she feels the Cass Review supports her long-held concerns and sees it as a kind of vindication. For now, neither Watson nor Radcliffe has responded to her recent comments. Still, the exchange has once again reignited divisions among fans of the ‘Harry Potter’ series, with social media filling up with renewed debate over the author, her legacy, and her controversial views.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What exactly did JK Rowling say about Emma Watson?
A. In a post on the social media platform X, JK Rowling responded to a comment about Emma Watson by writing, “She is ignorant of how ignorant she is.”
Q. Why did JK Rowling criticize Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe?
A. JK Rowling suggested they should apologize to “traumatised detransitioners” for using their celebrity platforms to support medical transitioning for minors, a practice she strongly opposes.
Q. What is the Cass Review?
A. The Cass Review is a major independent report led by Dr. Hilary Cass that reviewed the gender identity services provided to individuals under 18 by England’s National Health Service (NHS). Its conclusions have been influential in the ongoing debate.
Q. What have Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe previously said about transgender rights?
A. Both actors have been consistent in their support for the transgender community. In 2020, Watson stated that “trans people are who they say they are,” while Radcliffe wrote that “transgender women are women” and apologized for any pain caused by Rowling’s comments.
Q. Has Emma Watson responded to JK Rowling’s recent comments?
A. Currently, Emma Watson has not made any public statement in response to JK Rowling’s latest remarks.
