J.K. Rowling has responded to Emma Watson, describing the “Harry Potter” star as “ignorant of how ignorant she is” after Watson criticized her over their conflicting views on transgender issues.
The author, known for creating the “Harry Potter” series, directed her remarks at the 35-year-old actress, who played Hermione Granger, following Watson’s statement last week expressing a desire to reconcile — years after she had publicly mocked Rowling’s anti-trans comments.
“Like others who’ve never experienced adult life without the cushion of wealth and fame, Emma has so little real-world experience that she is unaware of her own ignorance,” Rowling wrote in a pointed post on X.
Emma Watson made her remarks on Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast.
“I wasn’t a multimillionaire at fourteen. I lived in poverty while writing the book that made Emma famous. From my own life experience, I understand what the undermining of women’s rights — in which Emma has so enthusiastically participated — means for women and girls without her privileges,” Rowling said.
Her pointed response came just days after Watson told Shetty she still valued the renowned British author, despite previously criticizing Rowling over a controversial anti-trans essay she wrote in 2020.
J.K. Rowling is widely known for her outspoken anti-trans views.
She has long stated that she would never forgive Watson, as well as co-star Daniel Radcliffe, for their criticism, which she claims led to “death, rape, and torture threats” at the time.
“The greatest irony is that if Emma hadn’t recently declared in her interview that she loves and treasures me — a shift I suspect comes from realizing that public condemnation of me isn’t as fashionable as it once was — I might never have spoken this frankly,” Rowling added.
Daniel Radcliffe, J.K. Rowling, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint at the world premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.
“Adults cannot expect to cozy up to an activist movement that has at times called for a friend’s assassination, and then claim the right to that friend’s affection, as if the friend were their parent,” Rowling continued.
“Emma is, of course, free to disagree with me and discuss her feelings publicly — but I have the same right, and I’ve finally chosen to exercise it.”
The Post reached out to Watson’s representatives for comment.
