The world grieved the loss of George Floyd after he was brutally killed by two white cops. His death triggered a much-needed conversation of #BlackLivesMatter. Following large protests and the beginning of pride month, British writer J.K. Rowling sent out some tweets that have not gone down well with netizens.
Legendary Harry Potter’s writer J.K. Rowling in a tweet expressed her opinions on the LGBTQ community which has now been termed transphobic and downright offensive to the community. She also defended her tweet with a 3,600-word essay and said she refused to back down. The writer received huge criticism from Hollywood celebrities including Harry Potter actors Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson among others.
Emma who played Hermoine Granger in the popular series tweeted her statement regarding the rights of the transgender community. She wrote, “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are”.
Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are.
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) June 10, 2020
She continued her statement in a Twitter thread to show her solidarity and wrote, “I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you, and love you for who you are.”
I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are.
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) June 10, 2020
Apart from Emma, Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe also responded to Rowling’s offensive tweet in a lengthy essay. He wrote, “Transgender women are women,” Radcliffe wrote. “Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I.”
Popular actors like Katie Leung, Evanna Lynch unanimously slammed the writer. Equal rights activists and celebrities like Sarah Paulson and Jameela Jamil also shared their disapproval of Rowling’s tweets.
Hey JK as you claim to support trans rights and this is a historical moment where we are globally discussing the impact of white supremacy on Black People, please share some of your $650million mega wealth with this charity. https://t.co/3WoGduRuSE
— Jameela Jamil ? (@jameelajamil) June 7, 2020