Criticism from Watson

J.K. Rowling: “You can save your apologies”

In the heated British debate about gender identity, "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling (58) has shown herself to be unforgiving. The author refers to trans women as men and has been sharply criticized for this, including by "Harry Potter" actor Daniel Radcliffe (34) and fellow actress Emma Watson (33).

"Celebrities who have joined a movement to undermine women's hard-won rights and who have used their platforms to cheer the gender reassignment of minors can save their excuses for traumatized detransitioners and vulnerable women who rely on same-sex spaces," the author wrote on the X platform on Wednesday evening.

The 58-year-old was responding to a user's comment that "Dan and Emma" should apologize to her for their criticism. British media interpreted Rowling's statement to mean that she would reject an apology from Radcliffe and his film partner Emma Watson.

Rowling would "go to prison" for trans opinion
The reason for this was an investigation report published the previous day on state services for trans young people in the UK.

The study by retired pediatrician Hilary Cass found, among other things, that a lack of research and evidence had led to the incorrect use of hormones and so-called puberty blockers, which prevent the onset of puberty characteristics such as menstruation, breast growth and voice change. Rowling then saw her position vindicated. At the end of last year, the author even announced that she would "go to prison" for her trans opinion.

Sharp criticism from Watson and Radcliffe
As a result, actors from the Harry Potter films also distanced themselves from her. The Sorcerer's Apprentice actor Radcliffe apologized for the pain the author had caused those affected and emphasized: "Transgender women are women."

The 33-year-old Watson wrote at the time: "Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told that they are not who they say they are."