Tensions rise again between J.K. Rowling and Emma Watson: Reason revealed
Joanne Rowling and Emma Watson (collage: RBC-Ukraine)
A long-standing dispute between "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling and Emma Watson, who played Hermione, has resurfaced publicly, escalating into a full-blown scandal.
Emma Watson's attempt at reconciliation
In a conversation on Jay Shetty's podcast, Emma Watson admitted that despite their differences, she still values her experience working with the author.
"I will never believe that one negates the other, and that my experience of that person, I don't get to keep and cherish. To come back to our earlier thing – I just don't think these things are either/or. 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 explained on the podcast.
Watson emphasized that she is open to dialogue with Rowling and believes reconciliation is possible.
J.K. Rowling's reaction
However, the attempt to extend an olive branch was unsuccessful. First, Rowling posted a parody video mocking Watson's interview, and later published a long post on X.
"Emma is rightly free to disagree with me and indeed to discuss her feelings about me in public - but I have the same right, and I've finally decided to exercise it," she wrote.
Rowling called Watson "ignorant," stressing that the actress was never likely to need the types of single-sex spaces, such as shelters or hospitals.
She also recalled that after the BAFTA 2022 ceremony, when Watson publicly said "here for all witches" (a nod to transgender women), the actress privately sent her an apology.
"Emma had just publicly poured more petrol on the flames, yet thought a one line expression of concern from her would reassure me of her fundamental sympathy and kindness," the author noted.
I'm seeing quite a bit of comment about this, so I want to make a couple of points.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 29, 2025
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
Background of conflict
Their dispute dates back to 2020, when Rowling began openly criticizing ideas about gender identity.
Watson stated her support for the transgender community. Her "Harry Potter" co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint expressed similar opinions.
"Transgender women are women. I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you. I really hope that you don't entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you," Radcliffe wrote in an open letter.
"I firmly stand with the trans community. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment," Grint emphasized in 2020.
Earlier, we shared the latest photos of Daniel Radcliffe and his wife.
Sources: Jay Shetty Podcast YouTube channel, J.K. Rowling's X account
