JK Rowling has reignited old tensions with her former Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint through a recent social media post that many are interpreting as a jab directed at them. The 59-year-old author took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on March 18, 2025, when a follower asked, "What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?" Rowling replied, "Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible," followed by several laughing emojis. This post, while intended to be humorous, has been widely perceived as aimed at her once-close collaborators, who have publicly distanced themselves from her views on transgender rights over the years.
Rowling's stance on transgender issues has drawn significant criticism since she first aired her views in December 2019. At that time, she supported the dismissal of researcher Maya Forstater from the Centre for Global Development due to tweets that questioned government plans allowing people to self-identify their gender. This led to backlash from many fans, who labeled her as a TERF—an acronym for trans-exclusionary radical feminist—highlighting a divide that has grown increasingly bitter over the years.
Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed Harry Potter, was one of the first among the main trio to publicly oppose Rowling's comments. In a statement released by The Trevor Project, Radcliffe made it clear: "Transgender women are women." He expressed the need to stand up for the dignity of transgender individuals, acknowledging that Rowling's views did not reflect his own. Radcliffe noted that, despite the deep personal connection he has with her as the person who shaped his career, his beliefs regarding transgender rights differ significantly. He expressed sadness over the estrangement, saying, "It makes me really sad, ultimately, because I do look at the person that I met, the times that we met, and the books that she wrote, and the world that she created, and all of that is to me so deeply empathic." Radcliffe revealed in a subsequent interview in 2024 that he had not spoken to Rowling in years, and it troubled him.
Emma Watson has also shown solidarity with the transgender community, taking the stage during the BAFTAs in 2022 in a moment that many interpreted as a subtle critique of Rowling. When introduced, Watson said, "I’m here for all the witches!" – a statement many took as a nod to the ongoing conflict over Rowling’s views.
In sharp contrast, Rowling has made definitive statements about her lack of forgiveness towards the actors who suited up with the transgender rights movement. In April 2024, Rowling reiterated her position, stating they could, "save their apologies" for those who experienced regret after transitioning. In her Twitter post, she emphasized, "Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women's hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatized detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single-sex spaces."
Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, also vocalized his support for the trans community. His stance mirrored that of his co-stars, asserting, "I firmly stand with the trans community. Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment." This unified stand by the trio indicates their diverging paths from Rowling, who has continually resisted calls for understanding or reconciliation with them.
The latest flare-up in their relationship has reignited conversations about the repercussions of Rowling's comments on trans rights and how public figures must navigate their influence responsibly. While Rowling continues to assert her perspective on gender identity, her former stars have aligned themselves with an advocacy for inclusivity and equality, directing their efforts to support those within the LGBTQ+ community.
As this saga unfolds, it casts light on the broader evolution of societal views on gender and the personal consequences that can arise from being at the center of such controversial debates. With Rowling seemingly refusing to temper her views, it remains uncertain how the relationship with Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint will evolve moving forward, especially as they continue to advocate for transgender rights while setting boundaries with their former collaborator. This rift highlights the ongoing tension between personal beliefs and public responsibility, symbolizing a microcosm of the societal dialogue surrounding trans rights and the power of celebrity voices in shaping discourse.
