Harry Potter’s J.K. Rowling Blasts Emma Watson: ‘Ignorant of How Ignorant She Is’

by

J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, has strongly reacted to recent comments made by Emma Watson-and, to a smaller extent, Daniel Radcliffe-in a detailed post on X.

Rowling Pushes Back on Former Stars

Rowling rejected the notion that she needs permission from actors who appeared in her movies, comparing it to asking a former employer from her early career for their opinion. She stated that while Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe are welcome to support beliefs about gender identity, they’ve chosen to publicly criticize her views specifically because of their connection to the Harry Potter films.

Rowling explained that she’s generally refrained from speaking about Watson because she wanted to protect her. She remembered a time when she chose not to offer criticism, specifically during the Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling podcast.

The “All Witches” Turning Point

Rowling explained that a significant turning point occurred when Watson delivered what she called the “all witches” speech, and also shared a handwritten note offering her support.

At the time, Rowling was getting death threats and threats of sexual assault and had to live with increased security. She thought the statement was insincere, because she believed Watson had previously encouraged public animosity towards her.

“Ignorant of How Ignorant She Is”

Rowling’s most pointed criticism targeted Watson’s lack of experience outside wealth and fame:

Like many who haven’t known life without financial security and recognition, Emma lacks understanding of everyday realities – and doesn’t even realize how much she doesn’t know. She’ll likely never need to rely on services like homeless shelters. She’s never faced the situation of being in a general ward at a public hospital. I’d be very surprised if she’s used a typical high street changing room since she was a child. Her idea of a ‘public restroom’ is a private one, guarded by security. Has she ever had to change in a newly mixed-gender changing room at a public swimming pool? Is it likely she’ll ever need a government-funded sexual assault center that can’t promise a single-sex service? Or find herself sharing a prison cell with a male rapist who has been placed in a women’s facility?

Rowling highlighted the difference between Watson’s upbringing and her own struggles with poverty during the writing of Harry Potter. She explained that this gives her a strong understanding of how policies truly affect women who don’t have advantages.

Why Rowling Spoke Out Now

Rowling indicated she decided to address the situation now because Watson had recently changed how she spoke about it in interviews. Watson had become more understanding towards Rowling, even saying she “loves and treasures” her.

Rowling suggested this shift happened because publicly criticizing her isn’t as popular as it once was.

Read More

2025-09-29 21:04