JK Rowling and Emma Watson: Their Conflict About Transgender Rights Heats Up

Liputan6.com, Jakarta The feud between renowned author J.K. Rowling and actress Emma Watson resurfaced in late September 2025.

The conflict was sparked by Watson's comments in a podcast, which Rowling then responded harshly to on platform X.

Their differing views on transgender rights are at the heart of the years-long dispute, as reported by BBC.

Emma Watson, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, had previously expressed her love for Rowling despite disagreeing with the author's views on trans issues.

This statement, made on Jay Shetty's podcast, sparked a sharp backlash from J.K. Rowling, who accused Watson of being "ignorant" and lacking real-life experience.

I'm seeing quite a bit of comment about this, so I want to make a couple of points.I'm not owed eternal agreement from any actor who once played a character I created. The idea is as ludicrous as me checking with the boss I had when I was twenty-one for what opinions I should… https://t.co/c0pz19P7jc

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 29, 2025

On September 24, 2025, Emma Watson appeared as a guest on Jay Shetty's podcast, discussing her relationship with JK Rowling.

During the interview, Watson openly stated that she still has deep "love" for Rowling, despite their opposing views on trans rights.

Watson expressed her hope that she can continue to love those who don't share her views, emphasizing the importance of dialogue.

She also expressed disappointment that a direct conversation about trans rights between herself and Rowling never materialized.

The actress also emphasized her principle that no one should be "discarded" from society.

Every individual, Watson argued, should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of differences in perspective or identity.

A few days after Emma Watson's podcast aired, on September 29, 2025, JK Rowling responded with a series of lengthy posts on the platform X.

"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."

Rowling didn't hold back, calling Watson "ignorant" and claiming that the actress had "little real life experience" due to her wealth and fame from a young age.

Rowling compared Watson's lived experience to her own, having lived in poverty before the success of Harry Potter.

She argued that Watson couldn't understand the pressures women face in shelters, hospitals, or public restrooms, issues she frequently addresses in her views on trans rights.

The author also accused Watson of "pouring more fuel on the fire" of the criticism she continues to receive regarding her trans views.

Rowling even alluded to an incident at the 2022 BAFTAs, where Watson said "I'm here for all wizards!", which Rowling considered a turning point in their relationship.

The rift between J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter co-stars, including Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, and Rupert Grint, has been ongoing since 2020.

That year, Rowling released an essay and a series of tweets deemed anti-trans, sparking a backlash from many, including the actors.

The author said the "turning point" in her feelings came in 2022 when Watson appeared to aim a subtle dig at Rowling on stage at the Bafta Awards.

Watson, Radcliffe, and Grint separately responded with statements supporting the rights of trans people, asserting their differing positions from Rowling's.

Host Rebel Wilson introduced Watson by saying: "She's proud to call herself a feminist, but we all know she's a witch."

Watson responded that she was "here for ALL of the witches", which was widely interpreted as a statement of support for the trans community. Many interpreted her as then mouthing "bar one", although it's not clear, and she may have actually said "by the way".

The conflict escalated in 2024, when Rowling publicly stated that she would "never forgive" the three actors for opposing her views.