Emma Watson Speaks Out on Controversy Regarding JK Rowling
Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling and actress Emma Watson, who famously portrayed Hermione Granger in the blockbuster film series, have been in the public eye for several years. The two used to have a close, professional relationship during the making of the Harry Potter movies, which has since changed due to their differing views that have drawn a lot of public attention.
In 2020, former “Harry Potter” cast members decided to publicly distance themselves from Rowling due to her controversial stance on transgender rights. For years, Watson has been a vocal advocate for transgender rights, supporting organizations like Gendered Intelligence and Stonewall, as well as showing her support for the community on social media.
The tension grew in 2022 when Watson’s BAFTA Awards speech was perceived by Rowling as a public jab at her stance on certain issues. Rowling received threats from every direction. She expressed sentiments to the effect that Watson was ignorant and had not experienced “real life” due to the fame and wealth she had acquired since she was a child. Many regard this as the turning point of the relationship between Watson and Rowling.
Recently, Watson was a guest on the podcast, “On Purpose with Jay Shetty”, released on Sept. 24. In the episode, Shetty and Watson explored topics including mental health, growing up in the public eye, her activism in feminism and LGBTQ+ rights and notably, her position regarding Rowling.
When asked about Rowling, Watson responded gracefully and carefully, “I really don't believe that by having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, mean that I can't and don't treasure Jo and the person that I had personal experiences with.”
Watson emphasized the fact that she acknowledges their clashing views on a controversial topic and now-strained relationship, but she will always love Rowling and be grateful for the amazing opportunity she created for her and the success of her career.
Something Watson made sure that the audience is aware of is her stance on cancel culture. She says, “No one’s disposable.” She is very vocal about disagreeing with the fact that it has become the new norm to simply discard people when they do something or have opinions that the general public doesn’t agree with.
She continued with, “...everyone as far as possible, whatever the conversation is, should and can be treated with, at the very least, dignity and respect.” Rather than dismiss someone completely, a conversation should be had, offering the opportunity to take accountability, at least.
This response is not what you would usually hear from people who have grown accustomed to cancel culture, as most people would believe it to be the best way to deal with Rowling’s stance. The way Watson goes about critiquing this new era of cancel culture will definitely influence those growing up through this new phenomenon.
Regardless of Watson’s critique of the public's receptiveness to Rowling, the author is obviously still resentful towards Watson. Rowling’s post on X from Sept. 26 targeted toward Watson stated, “Adults can’t expect to cosy up to an activist movement that regularly calls for a friend’s assassination, then assert their right to the former friend’s love, as though the friend was in fact their mother.”
It’s unfortunate, as Watson is obviously still open to conversation away from the public eye, but this may be one of those things that cannot be helped. Hopefully, the two will be able to have a mature conversation addressing their differing views and personal relationship, but until then, Harry Potter fans are left with this bittersweet estrangement of two important parts of their beloved franchise.