The feud between J.K. Rowling and Emma Watson is only heating up with the Harry Potter author sharing some nasty shots at the actress!
As much as Harry Potter fans can appreciate J.K. Rowling for creating the fantastic series, they are also aware of the author’s difficult attitude. While rumors had popped up over the years of Rowling having an ego at times, things have become worse in the last several years, with the author taking a stance that can be accused of transphobia.
That casts a shadow over the Potter franchise, particularly the coming HBO remake of the hit movies. Several actors, past and present, have spoken out about Rowling and her feelings, with some more diplomatic than others.
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, was one of the most notable to speak out in mid-September. Her words were rather cordial, saying that she “treasured” her time with Rowling while still not agreeing with her words. It wasn’t coming off as mean-spirited or nasty at all.
Rowling, however, disagrees and just made a statement that many could see as a direct attack on the actress!
What did J. K. Rowling say about Emma Watson?
The tiff kicked up more when Rowling shared a comedic interview parodying Watson’s interview, where the actress was portrayed as out of work and desperate to suck up to Rowling. She then kicked it up with a lengthy 700-word diatribe on Twitter attacking Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint in particular.
“Emma Watson and her co-stars have every right to embrace gender identity ideology. Such beliefs are legally protected, and I wouldn't want to see any of them threatened with loss of work, or violence, or death, because of them. However, Emma and Dan in particular have both made it clear over the last few years that they think our former professional association gives them a particular right - nay, obligation - to critique me and my views in public. Years after they finished acting in Potter, they continue to assume the role of de facto spokespeople for the world I created.”
Rowling went on to accuse Watson of “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.” She then got personal with “Like other people who've never experienced adult life uncushioned by wealth and fame, Emma has so little experience of real life she's ignorant of how ignorant she is.”
This touches on how Rowling famously was flat broke when she wrote the first Potter novel, while Watson was born to successful lawyer parents, spending her childhood living near Paris and attending private schools. Rowling even said that Watson lacks the experience needed to understand Rowling's views.
“I wasn't a multimillionaire at fourteen. I lived in poverty while writing the book that made Emma famous. I therefore understand from my own life experience what the trashing of women's rights in which Emma has so enthusiastically participated means to women and girls without her privileges. The greatest irony here is that, had Emma not decided in her most recent interview to declare that she loves and treasures me - a change of tack I suspect she's adopted because she's noticed full-throated condemnation of me is no longer quite as fashionable as it was - I might never have been this honest.”
So far, Watson has yet to respond to this. It’s not the first time Rowling has taken shots at the stars of the Potter movies, yet it seems an escalation and how once again Rowling’s views are causing controversy that mars her famous works.
The Harry Potter movies are streaming on HBO Max.