Actress Emma Watson has opened up about her complex relationship with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, revealing that she continues to treasure their personal connection despite their public disagreement over transgender rights.
During a recent appearance on the On Purpose With Jay Shetty podcast (watch below), the 35-year-old actress addressed the ongoing tension between herself and Rowling, which has persisted since 2020 when Watson publicly voiced her support for the transgender community following Rowling’s controversial comments on trans issues.
“I really don’t believe that by having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, mean that I can’t and don’t treasure Jo and the person that I had personal experiences with,” Watson explained during the interview. “I will never believe that one negates the other and that my experience of that person, I don’t get to keep and cherish.”
The dispute between Watson and Rowling began in 2020 when the Harry Potter creator posted a series of tweets and a lengthy essay that many critics labeled as transphobic. Watson, along with her co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, publicly distanced themselves from Rowling’s position by expressing support for transgender rights.
Watson’s status as one of the most recognizable faces from the Harry Potter franchise has made her voice particularly significant in this ongoing controversy. The actress, who portrayed Hermione Granger across all eight films from 2001 to 2011, took to social media at the time to declare: “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are.”
However, Rowling has maintained her position and recently suggested she would “never forgive” Watson and other “Harry Potter” stars for their stance. The author has also indicated that their public support for trans rights now “ruins” the movies for her. Nevertheless, Watson appears determined to maintain space for reconciliation.
“I think it’s my deepest wish that I hope people who don’t agree with my opinion will love me, and I hope I can keep loving people who I don’t necessarily share the same opinion with,” Watson said during the podcast interview.
The actress expressed particular disappointment that direct communication between them has not been possible. “I think the thing I’m most upset about is that a conversation was never made possible,” Watson noted. When asked whether she remained open to dialogue with Rowling, she responded affirmatively: “Yeah, and I always will. I believe in that. I believe in that completely.”
Watson has been on an extended hiatus from acting for seven years, focusing on personal growth and activist work. She previously served as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and has been vocal about various social justice issues throughout her career.
