Why Is J.K. Rowling Saying She Won't Forgive Harry Potter Stars?

(SPOT.ph) In the latest from J.K. Rowling and her controversial views on trans people is a truly audacious—for lack of a better term—tweet about never forgiving Harry Potter stars. Confused as to why they would even owe the now infamous author an apology? We lay it down below.

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Why does J.K. Rowling expect an apology from Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson?

It's been a long while since people realized the tales they grew up with were written by someone with non-inclusive views, and while we're still trying to come to terms with that (cue questions of  "Can we ever separate art from the artist?"), it seems Rowling has steadily used her X (formerly Twitter) page to prove she's worse than Voldemort herself. This latest shocking look into her mindset comes in the form of a response to another tweet.

On April 11, the author posted a lengthy thread condemning transitioning in youths, to which another X user replied by bringing up Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, stating that they are waiting on a "very public apology" from them to the author. 

To this, Rowling replied that they "can save their apologies." 

While the author has posted many shocking tweets in the past years, starting off in June 2020 when she implied that only people who menstruate are women, this latest one had people reeling. Folks online were quick to ask what they should even be apologizing for, with many confused as to why she had to reel them back in when the stars have clearly been trying to distance themselves from her and her views.

Also read: Attention, Potterheads: Tokyo's Harry Potter Theme Park Opens in June 2023

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and more Harry Potter stars show support for trans community

In the first place, why did Rowling agree to the idea that the Harry Potter stars would even owe anyone an apology? Following her June tweet, and throughout her controversies that followed stemming from Rowling's views, many Harry Potter stars were quick to show support for the trans community. 

Radcliffe, who was the main star of the book-turned-movies series, was the first to issue a public statement just days after Rowling's first tweet. He prefaced his response, published on The Trevor Project, by distancing it from the author. "I realize that certain press outlets will probably want to paint this as in-fighting between J.K. Rowling and myself, but that is really not what this is about, nor is it what’s important right now," he stated then.  

"Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I," said Radcliffe. He added a message to distraught fans of the Harry Potter series, saying "If you found anything in these stories that resonated with you and helped you at any time in your life — then that is between you and the book that you read, and it is sacred. And in my opinion nobody can touch that."

Emma Watson, for her part, posted a thread that same month showing her support. "I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are," said Watson.

Completing the Golden Trio, Rupert Grint also reiterated Radcliffe's message that trans women are women that same month, according to reports. 

What's important to note is that none of the Harry Potter stars have ever directly responded to Rowling and her views publicly. At most, they have used their platforms to show support for the trans community and to distance the magic of the films and its stories from the author.