'Ignorant of how ignorant she is': J. K. Rowling criticises Emma Watson over trans rights debate

J. K. Rowling has publicly criticised Emma Watson after the latter said in an interview that she still "treasures" and "loves" the author.

The actress had praised Rowling for her "kindness and words of encouragement" during her childhood years, and said that "there's just no world in which I could ever cancel her out".

In response, Rowling posted a lengthy Sep. 28 statement on X, calling Watson "ignorant", and her interview remarks a "change of tack".

"Like other people who've never experienced adult life uncushioned by wealth and fame, Emma has so little experience of real life she's ignorant of how ignorant she is," she wrote.

Since 2020, several actors in Rowling's iconic "Harry Potter" series, including Watson (who played Hermione Granger), have denounced the author's views on transgender rights.

Rowling is a vocal critic of transgender activism, which she says erodes the concept of biological sex and poses a threat to women's rights.

She has been accused of being transphobic, which she denies.

Public disagreement

Watson and Rowling have long been embroiled in a public disagreement over their differing views on trans rights and gender identity.

But in a Sep. 24 podcast interview, the actress said she hopes that "people who don't agree with [her] opinion will love [her]", and that she "can keep loving people who [she doesn't] necessarily share the same opinion with".

She also said that she loves Rowling, is grateful to her, and regrets that "a conversation was never made possible".

Following this, Rowling posted an apparent rebuttal on X, without referencing Watson by name:

"A little reminder for anyone who may be regretting their very public sprint to the front of the mob and is now trying to discreetly shove their pitchfork out of sight."

She subsequently posted a lengthier critique of Watson, this time directly addressing her.

"Change of tack"

Rowling prefaced her statement by saying that she is "not owed eternal agreement from any actor who once played a character [she] created".

But Watson and co-star Daniel Radcliffe (who played the titular Harry Potter) have over the years "assumed the role of de facto spokespeople for the world [Rowling] created".

Rowling said that she has repeatedly declined requests from the media to comment on Watson, not wanting her to be "hounded" as a result.

At the same time, "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", she said.

She pointed out that in a 2022 speech, Watson made a comment that appeared to be a veiled condemnation of Rowling's gender identity views — and then wrote her a note saying she was "so sorry for what [Rowling] was going through".

This was when death, rape, and torture threats against Rowling were at their peak, she said.

"Emma had just publicly poured more petrol on the flames, yet thought a one line expression of concern from her would reassure me of her fundamental sympathy and kindness."

"Ignorant"

She also called Watson "ignorant" and emphasised the actress's privilege, having lived in wealth and fame since a young age.

"She'll never need a homeless shelter. She's never going to be placed on a mixed sex public hospital ward," Rowling said.

"I wasn't a multimillionaire at fourteen. I lived in poverty while writing the book that made Emma famous.

I therefore understand from my own life experience what the trashing of women's rights in which Emma has so enthusiastically participated means to women and girls without her privileges."

One of Rowling's biggest criticisms of the trans rights movement is her assertion that transgender-friendly spaces encroach on women's rights.

She has argued on numerous occasions that certain spaces, such as public bathrooms and changing rooms, should have "male-free", "penis-free", and "female-only" spaces, for safety reasons.

This definition excludes trans women and people who are biologically male but identify as female.

Top image from AFP