Emma Watson has explained her previous comment about being "self-partnered" in a 2019 interview.
In a new British Vogue cover story, the 33-year-old Harry Potter actress opened up about her personal life and spoke candidly about some remarks she made in an interview four years ago.
At the time, Watson told the same publication that she was being pleased with her single status, as she rumored to be in a relationship with Leo Robinson after the pair was spotted embracing.
"I never believed the whole 'I'm happy single' spiel. I was like: 'This is totally spiel.' It took me a long time, but I’m very happy [being single]. I call it being self-partnered," she proclaimed, confirming that she wasn’t in a relationship, but was dating around.
The Little Woman actress caused some commotion with her words, as some people thought it was refreshing, whereas others questioned why there’s still a stigma around "being single".
One writer called it "the death of female liberation," adding: "Emma Watson is - or should be - free to describe herself and interpret her life however she likes. But the term 'self-partnered' sheds light on the lack of space there is for women just to be."
Meanwhile, another writer said she was "cheering on Emma" for "admitting out loud" that she was happily single, and noted: "For someone as high profile as Emma to come out with it can only be a good thing."
"Aside from making other single women feel less alone and feel like they can actually enjoy their lives, I hope the shift will also help women trapped in unhappy and unhealthy relationships realize that there really are worse things than being single," they also shared.
During an interview with E! News in 2019, Watson responded to all the uproar and said she was confused by the massive reaction.
"I literally said it as a throwaway comment, thinking it would go no further," she said. "And then I woke up the next morning and my phone’s blowing up and I don’t know why. It’s all my friends messaging me being like, 'Self-partnered, this thing’s gone crazy.'"
"I’m so happy people feel empowered by my stressful moment. It’s great," she quipped.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower actress is once again clarifying her comment during her latest interview with Vogue magazine.
Following a handful of different relationships, Walson explained what she meant by the term "self-partnered," revealing that being "self-partnered" isn’t "necessarily about me celebrating being single".
"Getting to the point when I was 30, I was realizing: 'Oh, maybe I’ve figured out some things about how to care for myself better – maybe quite well, actually.' And taking pride in that," she added.
Watson said that while she appreciates her single or "self-partnered" life, it’s also important to have a supportive group around you. She claims that those around her encourage her and inspire her more.
"Coming out of Covid, I really understood the importance of building community, having community and investing, very intentionally, time and energy into that," she shared.