Overview

• Rowling published an almost 700-word statement on X, saying Watson is “ignorant of how ignorant she is.”
• She revealed Watson sent a one-line handwritten note — “I’m so sorry for what you’re going through” — after a 2022 BAFTA moment Rowling viewed as a turning point.
• Rowling argued cast members’ public criticism helped fuel death, rape and torture threats against her, prompting heightened security concerns.
• She contrasted her past poverty with Watson’s early wealth to argue the actor lacks exposure to risks faced by women in single-sex spaces, and said she is not owed agreement from former cast members.
• Watson has not publicly responded, after recently saying on a podcast that she still treasures Rowling and hopes to keep loving people with whom she disagrees.