JK Rowling has seemingly not taken Emma Watson's recent comments well, as she doubles down on social media.

Speaking on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, Watson reflected on her history with Rowling while addressing the author’s controversial comments on transgender rights.

Despite saying that she still "treasures" Rowling, the Harry Potter author doesn't seem to be in the mood to reconcile.

Emma Watson Speaks Out About JK Rowling

“I really don't believe that by having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, mean that I can't and don't treasure Jo,” Watson, 35, said.

She continued: “I will never believe that one negates the other and that my experience of that person, I don’t get to keep and cherish.”

Watson added: “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.”

The actress also expressed regret that the pair never had a direct conversation about their disagreements, saying the thing she was most “upset about is that a conversation was never made possible.”

She confirmed she would still be open to dialogue, adding she “truly and completely believes in that.”

Rowling Responds With Sharp Words

While Watson struck a conciliatory tone, Rowling appeared less forgiving.

On Thursday, she reshared a lengthy statement she originally posted in May, addressing backlash she faced over her stance on sex and gender identity.

“In light of recent open letters from academia and the arts criticising the UK's Supreme Court ruling on sex-based rights, it's possibly worth remembering that nobody sane believes, or has ever believed, that humans can change sex, or that binary sex isn't a material fact,” Rowling, 60, had written.

She went on to argue that advocates of trans ideology “have to quieten their consciences before publicly boosting a movement intent on removing women's and girls' rights, which bullies gay people who admit openly they don't want opposite sex partners, and campaigns for the continued sterilisation of vulnerable and troubled kids.”

Rowling added: “I wonder whether any of them will ever feel shame.”

Sharing the message again this week, she wrote: “A little reminder for anyone who may be regretting their very public sprint to the front of the mob and is now trying to discreetly shove their pitchfork out of sight.”

Rowling Hits Back at the Cast

Rowling has since made it clear she does not intend to forgive the Harry Potter trio.

When asked earlier this year on social media whether Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, and Rupert Grint could apologize and earn her forgiveness for publicly disagreeing with her comments on the trans community, she bluntly replied: “Not safe, I’m afraid.”

She also accused the actors of “cozying up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights.”

In another sharp moment, Rowling responded to a viral post asking: “What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?” with: “Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible,” alongside laughing emojis - widely seen as a jab at the Harry Potter stars.

Featured image credit: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

J.K. Rowling has addressed the growing divide between herself and Emma Watson in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter). The author of the Harry Potter series unleashed her frustration on the actress, accusing her of “ignorance” regarding transgender issues. In the post, Rowling not only criticized Watson's stance but also shared a private letter from Watson that she claims ultimately fractured their friendship.

The post follows a podcast appearance by Watson, where the actress expressed both gratitude for her role as Hermione Granger and dismay over the current debates on gender identity.

Watson’s comments prompted Rowling to speak out, voicing her displeasure with how Watson and other Harry Potter stars, like Daniel Radcliffe, have taken up what she sees as an unwarranted public role as spokespeople for her literary universe. Rowling stated that their remarks, often critical of her, feel disconnected from her intentions or the life experiences she has shared.

Rowling detailed that their relationship took a hit in March 2022 when Watson made a public statement at the BAFTA Film Awards, declaring, “I’m here for all of the witches.” At that time, Rowling was facing intense threats due to her views on gender, and Watson’s comment, according to Rowling, added fuel to the fire.

This was when Watson reportedly sent a handwritten note of sympathy to Rowling, a gesture that the author now describes as insufficient, given the context.

The letter that changed everything

According to Rowling, after Watson’s BAFTA comments, the actress wrote a short note to express her sympathy for the author’s difficult situation. The note simply read, “I’m so sorry for what you’re going through.”

However, Rowling found the gesture problematic, particularly given the public nature of Watson's remarks that were, in Rowling’s eyes, at odds with the private concern she was expressing. Rowling went on to say that this was a turning point in their relationship, pointing out the disconnect between Watson’s public stance and private message.

Rowling’s frustration doesn’t just stem from Watson’s comments but also from her belief that the actress’s wealth and fame have sheltered her from the realities faced by many women.

Rowling argued that Watson’s experiences - such as having private security and not needing to navigate spaces like changing rooms - give her a unique, privileged perspective that doesn't fully reflect the lives of women struggling with issues like the erosion of women’s rights.

A public rift with personal consequences

While Rowling acknowledged Watson’s right to hold differing views and discuss them publicly, she also emphasized her own right to speak candidly about their fractured relationship.

She made it clear that Watson’s recent attempt to publicly express affection for her, seemingly in an effort to regain favor, did not sit well. Rowling described this as a reflection of a broader social shift, suggesting that condemnation of her views is no longer as widespread as it once was.

This confrontation between two figures once linked by the global Harry Potter franchise highlights the complexities of celebrity friendships in the age of social media.

With public opinions shifting on sensitive issues like transgender rights, the personal fallout between Rowling and Watson serves as a reminder of how deeply personal and professional lives can intertwine, often leading to irreversible rifts.

Featured image credit: Dave Hogan / Getty

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.

Featured image credit: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

JK Rowling is causing controversy again after taking a thinly veiled dig at the three main Harry Potter stars.

The billionaire author, who has long been at the center of heated debates over gender identity, hinted at her disdain for Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint in a cryptic social media post.

Rowling recently responded to a social media post that asked: "What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?"

Rowling replied: "Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible," followed by three laughing emojis.

While she didn’t name names, many interpreted the comment as a thinly veiled jab at Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint - all of whom publicly condemned her views on transgender rights in 2020.

Rowling’s rift with the Harry Potter trio began when she published an essay on sexual assault, in which she called transgender identity "deeply misogynistic and regressive."

Radcliffe quickly distanced himself from the author, writing in an essay for The Trevor Project: "Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people."

Watson also voiced support for trans rights, telling her followers: "Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned."

Rowling later fired back in 2024, saying she was unlikely to forgive Radcliffe or Watson, accusing them of "cozying up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights."

But Rowling’s recent social media post wasn’t the only time she made headlines this week.

The Harry Potter author also reacted to Donald Trump’s latest executive order, which bans transgender women from competing in female sports at all levels.

The order, titled "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports", mandates "immediate enforcement" against schools and athletic associations that allow trans women to compete in female-only sports or access single-sex changing rooms.

Speaking before signing the order, Trump declared: "We've gotten the woke lunacy out of our military, and now we're getting it out of women's sports."

He also took aim at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, vowing to block transgender athletes from competing.

"In Los Angeles in 2028, my administration will not stand by and watch men beat and batter female athletes. We're not going to let it happen."

He even directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to deny visas to transgender women athletes attempting to enter the U.S. for the games.

Rowling, who has long opposed transgender inclusion in women’s sports, wasted no time reacting to Trump’s move.

Sharing a photo of Trump surrounded by female athletes after signing the order, she wrote: "Congratulations to every single person on the left who’s been campaigning to destroy women’s and girls’ rights.

"Without you, there’d be no images like this."

Featured image credit: Dave Hogan / Getty

Rupert Grint has said he sees JK Rowling as an "auntie" who he doesn't "necessarily agree with everything" on, as the Harry Potter author continues to receive backlash for her stance on the transgender community.

The actor, who appeared in all eight films in the Harry Potter franchise, is among a number of stars of the series to have spoken out against Rowling following her controversial remarks on trans issues.

Now, in an interview with The Times for the paper's What I've Learnt column on Saturday, January 15, Grint opened up about his current relationship with Rowling.

He said: "I liken JK Rowling to an auntie. I don't necessarily agree with everything my auntie says, but she's still my auntie. It's a tricky one."

In 2020, Rowling sparked outrage after she responded to an article with the trans-inclusive headline: "Creating a more equal post-Covid-19 world for people who menstruate."

Taking issue with the term, "people who menstruate", she wrote on Twitter: "'People who menstruate.' I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?"

In a statement, Grint expressed his support for the trans community in light of Rowling's remarks.

He said: "Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment. I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers."

His Harry Potter co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson also publicly responded.

Radcliffe, who played the franchise's protagonist, said in a statement: "Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I."

Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the film series, wrote: "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.

"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."

Featured image credit: PA Images / Alamy