Emma Watson has spoken out regarding JK Rowling after the author said she would never forgive her for her response to some of her divisive comments.
Speaking on the podcast On Purpose With Jay Shetty, the actor discussed how her bond with Rowling changed after the author’s outspoken comments on transgender issues.
Rowling previously suggested she would “never forgive” Watson for her stance, prompting a direct response from the star.
Emma Watson Speaks Out
Watson explained that despite her differing views with Rowling, it doesn't mean that she doesn't "treasure" her as a person that she had personal experiences with.
"I will never believe that one negates the other and that my experience of that person, I don’t get to keep and cherish," she said.
Watson continued: "I just don’t think these things are either or. I think it’s my deepest wish that I hope people who don’t agree with my opinion will love me, and I hope I can keep loving people who I don’t necessarily share the same opinion with."
Watson added that the thing she is most “upset about is that a conversation was never made possible.”
She also confirmed she would still be open to that dialogue, explaining that she “truly and completely believes in that.”
How The Dispute Began
Watson rose to fame as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films between 2001 and 2011, starring alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint.
But in recent years, Rowling’s public comments on sex and gender identity sparked backlash from the stars who once brought her books to life.
In 2020, Rowling published an essay that described transgender identity as “deeply misogynistic and regressive,” and criticized the use of inclusive language such as “people who menstruate.”
She argued: “‘People who menstruate’. I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?”
She went on to write that if “sex isn’t real” then “same-sex attraction” would not exist, claiming “the lived reality of women globally is erased.”
While insisting she respected “every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them,” she added concerns about trans women using female-only spaces, saying it “opens the door to any and all men who wish to come inside.”
Her views were widely condemned, including by Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint.
Harry Potter Stars Defend Trans Rights
Radcliffe quickly published a response through The Trevor Project, stating: “Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people.
"It’s clear that we need to do more to support transgender and nonbinary people, not invalidate their identities.”
He added: “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."
Watson also declared her solidarity with the trans community at the time, writing: “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.”
She added: “I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are.”
Grint echoed their words, saying: “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.”
Rowling Hits Back At Watson, Radcliffe, and Grint
The fallout has continued into recent years. Earlier in 2024, Rowling responded to a social media post that asked: “What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?” with: “Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible,” followed by laughing emojis—widely interpreted as a reference to Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint.
When another user suggested the actors could apologize and count on her forgiveness, Rowling replied: “Not safe, I’m afraid.”
She further accused Radcliffe and Watson of “cozying up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights,” underscoring that reconciliation with the stars was unlikely.