The Boy Who Lived might have brought them together, but the real world is pulling them apart.
J.K. Rowling is making her feelings crystal clear regarding her former leading lady, Emma Watson. In a lengthy and pointed post shared to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Sept. , the Harry Potter author, , took aim at Watson following the actress’s recent appearance on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast.
The viral exchange marks the latest chapter in a years-long rift between the creator of the Wizarding World and the stars who brought it to life on screen.
A ‘LUDICROUS’ EXPECTATION
Rowling didn’t mince words when addressing Watson, , who famously portrayed Hermione Granger from to . The author pushed back against the idea that she should remain in lockstep with the cast’s views.
“I’m not owed eternal agreement from any actor who once played a character I created,” Rowling wrote. “The idea is as ludicrous as me checking with the boss I had when I was twenty-one for what opinions I should hold these days.”
While Rowling acknowledged that Watson and co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint have every right to their beliefs regarding gender identity—which she referred to as “legally protected”—she expressed frustration over their public critiques of her views.
“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,” she added.
THE PODCAST MOMENT THAT SPARKED THE FIRE
The tension reached a boiling point after Watson sat down with Jay Shetty on Sept. . During the emotional interview, Watson reflected on the “toxic” nature of the current discourse, emphasizing her belief in “dignity and respect.”
“I just see this world right now where we seem to be giving permission to this throwing out of people, or that people are disposable,” Watson told Shetty. “I will always think that’s wrong… I just believe that no one is disposable.”
Despite their ideological differences, Watson noted that she still holds onto the “kindness and words of encouragement” Rowling showed her during her childhood. “There is just no world in which I could ever cancel her,” Watson insisted.
‘IGNORANT OF HOW IGNORANT SHE IS’
Rowling, however, wasn’t moved by the olive branch. In her X post, she suggested that Watson’s perspective is skewed by her status.
“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,” Rowling wrote.
The author also revisited a viral moment from the BAFTA Awards, where Watson told the crowd, “I’m here for all of the witches,” which many interpreted as a jab at Rowling. Rowling revealed that while the speech stung, a private follow-up hurt even more.
According to Rowling, Watson sent a one-sentence handwritten note saying, “I’m so sorry for what you’re going through,” at a time when Rowling was facing intense security threats.
“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,” Rowling claimed.
A DIVIDED FRANCHISE
The fallout continues a trend of the Potter “Big Three”—Watson, Radcliffe, and Grint—distancing themselves from Rowling’s controversial comments regarding the transgender community. While the trio has remained steadfast in their support for LGBTQ+ rights, Rowling has doubled down on her stance.
Rowling admitted that until recently, she found it “hard to shake a certain protectiveness” over the cast she had known since they were years old. It seems that protection has finally reached its expiration date.
A spokesperson for Watson did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Would you like me to look into Daniel Radcliffe’s previous statements on the matter to provide more context?
