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Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson publicly supported trans people after J.K. Rowling’s June 2020 comments on sex and gender. Rowling’s pointed criticism of the actors came later: a 2024 report covered her criticism of celebrity supporters, and in September 2025 she responded directly to Watson’s remarks about their relationship. The events are years apart, not one exchange.
What prompted the actors’ responses in June 2020?
In June 2020, Rowling criticized an article headline that used the phrase “people who menstruate.” She then published an essay explaining her views on sex and gender. Those were Rowling’s stated positions, not neutral findings. Her comments prompted responses from several Harry Potter cast members.
Read Rowling’s essay on her official website.
What did Daniel Radcliffe say?
On June 8, 2020, Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, published a statement through The Trevor Project. “Transgender women are women,” he wrote. He added that statements to the contrary erase the identity and dignity of transgender people.
Radcliffe also addressed fans who felt Rowling’s comments had diminished their experience of the books. His statement was directed both to trans people and to readers affected by the controversy.
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Read Radcliffe’s statement at The Trevor Project.
What did Emma Watson say?
Watson also voiced support for trans people in June 2020. As quoted by The Independent, she wrote: “Trans people are who they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are.” She told trans followers that she and many others saw, respected and loved them.
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Read The Independent’s report on the cast’s responses.
Were Radcliffe and Watson the only cast members to respond?
No. Contemporary reporting also recorded statements from Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, Evanna Lynch, Katie Leung and others. The public response extended beyond the two stars named in the headline.
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When did Rowling criticize the actors?
2024: criticism of celebrity supporters
A 2024 Sky News video report quoted Rowling criticizing celebrities who supported a movement she said erodes women’s rights. This was a later development, not part of the actors’ initial June 2020 responses.
September 2025: response to Watson
In September 2025, Watson said she treasured Rowling and their personal experiences despite their differing views. Rowling then criticized Watson and referred to the public criticism she and Radcliffe had made of her, according to The Guardian. Rowling’s remarks included the phrase “ignorant of how ignorant she is.” The exchange followed Watson’s comments about their relationship; it was not a new version of the original 2020 response.
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Read The Guardian’s report on Rowling’s response.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to understand the dispute
The chronology matters: Rowling’s June 2020 comments and essay came first; Radcliffe and Watson then publicly supported trans people; Rowling’s later criticism of celebrity supporters and her 2025 response to Watson followed years afterward. Their statements addressed different audiences and concerns, so describing the whole story as one immediate confrontation obscures what happened when.
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