Daniel Radcliffe, who starred as the titular character in all eight Harry Potter films, has drawn a line in the sand and spoken out against J.K. Rowling's rhetoric against trans people. In a recent interview, he explained why he felt the need to do so publicly.

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has made headlines in recent years due to accusations of transphobia (among other things). Reportedly, Rowling and Radcliffe's Harry Potter co-star Emma Watson have feuded over Rowling's incendiary comments (Watson is a staunch LGBTQ+ ally). Radcliffe himself penned an open letter to Rowling in 2020, which went viral and was a very public condemnation over Rowling's disparaging remarks (the author has made comments indicating she does not believe trans women belong in sports, and also indicating that she does not view trans women as similar to cis women).

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Speaking to IndieWire, Radcliffe clarified why he went public with his open letter. “The reason I was felt very, very much as though I needed to say something when I did was because, particularly since finishing ‘Potter,’ I’ve met so many queer and trans kids and young people who had a huge amount of identification with Potter on that. And so seeing them hurt on that day I was like, I wanted them to know that not everybody in the franchise felt that way. And that was really important,” Radcliffe said. He further went on to reiterate that LGBT+ advocacy was an important cause for him, saying, “It was really important as I’ve worked with the Trevor Project for more than 10 years, and so I don’t think I would’ve been able to look myself in the mirror had I not said anything. But it’s not mine to guess what’s going on in someone else’s head.”

Harry Potter Extra Margot Robbie

Several members of the Harry Potter cast have found themselves at the center of the controversy, either by being asked for comments or by offering their own opinion. Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes, who played Professor Sprout and who is also an out and proud lesbian, for example, commented that she would be willing to arbitrate and mediate between Watson and Rowling. Margolyes stated she did not take either side on the issue. For many, like Radcliffe, however, Rowling's comments simply cannot be reconciled unless the author turns her views and actions around.

Harry Potter star Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood from Order of the Phoenix on, said that the cast still respects Rowling despite disagreeing with her views. It's clear from Radcliffe's comments, however, that he was deeply troubled by Rowling's stance on trans people, which can be very impactful and harmful for the average trans person given Rowling's status.

For his part, Radcliffe is keeping busy, and his latest project, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, is premiering soon on the Roku Channel. Since Harry Potter ended, he's kept up his life as an actor and has carved a niche for himself in Hollywood by playing some quirky characters.

The Harry Potter films are available on HBO Max.

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Source: IndieWire