JK Rowling has launched a blistering attack on Emma Watson, accusing the actress of being “ignorant of how ignorant she is” and suggesting her privileged upbringing has left her disconnected from the real-world impact of transgender rights activism on women.
The Harry Potter author’s extraordinary statement marks a dramatic escalation in the long-running feud between her and the actress who played Hermione Granger, with Ms Rowling claiming Watson’s public criticism had served to “pour more petrol on the flames” of abuse she has suffered.
In a lengthy statement posted on X this morning, Ms Rowling dismissed Watson’s recent claim in a podcast interview that she “still treasures” her, instead accusing the actress of “cosying up to an activist movement which regularly calls for a friend’s assassination.”
Privilege and Poverty
The feminist campaigner drew a stark contrast between their backgrounds, stating: “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.”
Ms Rowling suggested Watson’s views on trans rights stemmed from her lack of experience of “real life,” noting that the actress would never need to use a homeless shelter, mixed-sex hospital ward, or state-run rape crisis centre.
“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,” the author wrote.
The ‘All Witches’ Turning Point
The author revealed that Watson’s “all witches” speech at the 2022 BAFTAs had been a “turning point” in their relationship, but said what hurt more was a handwritten note the actress subsequently sent her containing just one sentence: “I’m so sorry for what you’re going through.”
Ms Rowling described receiving this note at the height of death and rape threats against her, when her personal security had been significantly increased and she feared for her family’s safety. She characterised Watson’s gesture as hollow, given the actress had “just publicly poured more petrol on the flames.”
De Facto Spokespeople
Whilst acknowledging that Watson and her Harry Potter co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint had “every right to embrace gender identity ideology,” Ms Rowling accused them of exploiting their connection to the franchise.
“Emma and Dan in particular have both made it clear over the last few years that they think our former professional association gives them a particular right – nay, obligation – to critique me and my views in public,” she wrote. “Years after they finished acting in Potter, they continue to assume the role of de facto spokespeople for the world I created.”
Protective Instincts Lost
The author admitted she had previously felt protective of the actors, having known them since they were children, and had declined multiple invitations from journalists to comment on Watson specifically, including during “The Witch Trials of JK Rowling” podcast.
“Until quite recently, I hadn’t managed to throw off the memory of children who needed to be gently coaxed through their dialogue in a big scary film studio,” she revealed.
However, she suggested Watson’s recent podcast appearance with Jay Shetty, where the actress claimed to still “treasure” Rowling, was a cynical shift in stance.
Fashionable Condemnation
Ms Rowling claimed Watson had changed her approach “because she’s noticed full-throated condemnation of me is no longer quite as fashionable as it was.” She added that this apparent change of heart had prompted her to finally speak openly about their relationship.
“The greatest irony here is that, had Emma not decided in her most recent interview to declare that she loves and treasures me… I might never have been this honest,” the author stated.
The statement concluded with Ms Rowling asserting her right to respond publicly: “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.”
Background to the Dispute
The rift between Rowling and the Harry Potter actors began in 2020 when the author published a controversial essay questioning aspects of transgender activism. Watson, Radcliffe, and Grint all publicly supported transgender rights in response, with Watson stating that “trans people are who they say they are.”
Earlier this year, Rowling stated she would “never forgive” the actors for what she described as supporting “a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights.”
Watson’s representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment on Rowling’s latest statement.
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