Overview
- In a Decider interview, Knightley said she was unaware of boycott calls over J.K. Rowling, apologized with a laugh, and urged people to find respect despite differing opinions.
- Footage of the exchange circulated widely after Evie Magazine posted it on X, with the clip reported to have surpassed 15 million views.
- Social media criticism focused on Knightley’s tone and laughter, while some commenters defended her for declining to condemn Rowling.
- Coverage split along political lines, with outlets like Fox News highlighting praise from conservatives and opinion writers at The Federalist using the moment to argue broader anti–gender‑affirming stances.
- Knightley voices Professor Umbridge in Pottermore Publishing and Audible’s new full‑cast audiobook series, which remains scheduled to start releasing on Nov. 4, 2025.