Emma Watson Expresses Continued Respect for J.K. Rowling Despite Ongoing Disagreement
LOS ANGELES, CA – Actress Emma Watson has stated she still “values” her past relationship with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, despite a public disagreement over Rowling’s views on transgender rights. Tho, Watson expressed regret that a direct conversation with Rowling has proven unfeasible.
The comments came during an interview on Jay Shetty’s podcast, as reported by Público. Watson has previously voiced support for the transgender community, stating in 2020 that “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they are not who they say they are,” in response to Rowling’s statements on the topic. This led to a public distancing between the two.
“I do not believe that the fact that I had this experience and having the love, support and opinions I have, it means that it cannot value Jo [JK Rowling],” Watson said, adding, “I will never believe that one thing nullifies the other and that my experience with this person is not to be kept and cherished.”
Rowling has faced criticism for expressing concerns that transgender rights could potentially undermine the rights of cisgender women. She has not yet publicly responded to Watson’s recent statements.
In the same interview, Watson, 35, also reflected on her time starring in the Harry Potter film series alongside Daniel radcliffe and Rupert Grint, describing it as formative but leading to unrealistic expectations about future professional relationships. She noted the competitive nature of Hollywood and the pain she experienced when realizing colleagues weren’t necessarily seeking lifelong friendships.
Currently, Watson is studying creative writing at Oxford University and indicated she misses “using my abilities and…the art,” but has not yet revealed plans to return to acting.
