Overview

• Rowling posted a more than 600-word statement on X on September 29 calling Emma Watson “ignorant of how ignorant she is.”
• She contrasted her own past poverty with Watson’s wealth and argued the actor is insulated from the real-world consequences of policies she supports.
• Rowling said Watson’s 2022 Bafta quip about being “here for all the witches” was a turning point and revealed a handwritten note from Watson that read, “I’m so sorry for what you’re going through.”
• The author said threats against her were peaking at that time and accused Watson of having “poured more petrol on the flames” with public comments.
• Rowling criticized Watson and Daniel Radcliffe for acting as de facto spokespeople for the franchise and responded after Watson told a podcast she still “treasures” her, with no new public reply from Watson reported yet.