Overview

• In a lengthy statement on X on September 29, Rowling said Watson is “ignorant about how ignorant she is” in the ongoing dispute over transgender rights.
• Rowling argued she does not owe “eternal consent” to actors and accused Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe of positioning themselves as de facto spokespersons for the Harry Potter universe.
• She framed Watson’s comments as coming from wealth and fame, citing examples like never needing a public hospital or a state-run rape crisis center, and pointed to her own past poverty while writing the first book.
• Rowling reiterated opposition to allowing transgender women access to women-only spaces such as changing rooms, bathrooms, and prisons, saying such policies endanger cisgender women.
• The post followed Watson’s recent interview expressing that she still values Rowling despite differences, and reports did not cite a new response from Watson or Radcliffe to Rowling’s latest remarks.