Rowling accuses Watson of 'ignorance' over trans row

JK Rowling has attacked “ignorant” Emma Watson for using her Harry Potter link to criticise her gender critical views – and rejected the former child star’s claim that she treasures her despite their differences.

- JACOB STOLWORTHY

Watson and her former costars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint are vocal advocates for trans rights and, in the last five years, have condemned Rowling's controversial comments that have been criticised as transphobic.

Rowling has now issued a lengthy statement in which she branded the Hermione Granger actor "ignorant" as she has "never experienced adult life uncushioned by wealth and fame" and accused the star of "pouring more petrol on the flames" of the abuse she receives.

Days after Watson, 35, said she would be open to speaking with Rowling again, the author wrote on Twitter (X): "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."