Rowling accused Watson of ignorance
The high-profile conflict in the world of “Harry Potter” has taken a new turn. Writer Joanne Rowling has reacted sharply to the words of Emma Watson, who in a recent interview stated that she still values their collaboration, despite their differences of opinion. Rowling called the actress “ignorant” on social networks and criticized her for “insufficient life experience.”
What Emma Watson said
In an interview with Jay Shetty on the On Purpose podcast, Emma Watson admitted that although she has her own beliefs and they differ from Rowling's, she still appreciates the experience of working with the author:
“I don't believe that just because I have my own views means I can't appreciate Joe as someone I have personal experience with.”
Rowling's sharp response
The writer did not leave the actress's words without a reaction. On the X platform (formerly Twitter), she stated:
“Emma has so little real-life experience that she doesn't even realize how ignorant she is.”
Rowling also recalled that she once received a note from Watson with words of support when she was under a barrage of criticism:
“Emma asked someone to give me a handwritten note: ‘I’m so sorry you’re going through this.’”
At the same time, the writer emphasized that, in her opinion, the actors of the franchise do not have a “special right” to evaluate her position just because they have become part of the cult world.
Background: the roots of the conflict
The row between Rowling and Watson has been ongoing since 2020, when the Harry Potter author spoke out about the importance of biological sex in the context of women's rights. Her statements drew criticism from transgender advocates and actors in the franchise, including Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe.
Watson then publicly stated:
“Transgender people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without constant doubt and limitations.”
The online community is already discussing that the Rowling-Watson scandal has gone far beyond a personal conflict: it touches on the topic of freedom of expression, gender identity, and the cultural responsibility of public figures. The discussion has once again raised the question: can the creator of a cult universe express controversial opinions without risking his own legacy, and how does this affect the actors associated with his stories?
