The wizarding world is facing a very public divide.
J.K. Rowling is speaking out about her fractured relationship with the Harry Potter cast, revealing that while she has traded barbs with the franchise’s biggest stars, she still holds a special place for those who stayed by her side.
The author, , took to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Sept. , to respond to a user claiming the Potter cast had “betrayed” her.
“I have no wish to point my more rabid detractors at any individual, so I’ll just say NotAllPotterKids,” Rowling wrote. “There are some who’ve been staunch throughout and I have nothing but deep affection for them.”
The comment comes just one day after Rowling launched a scathing critique of Emma Watson, , who played Hermione Granger in all eight films.
The drama was reignited following Watson’s appearance on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast, published Sept. . During the candid conversation, Watson attempted to strike a conciliatory tone regarding Rowling’s controversial views on transgender rights.
“There is just no world in which I could ever cancel her out … for anything,” Watson told Shetty, adding that she was “upset” that a private conversation between them was “never made possible.”
However, Rowling wasn’t buying the olive branch. In a lengthy post on Monday, Sept. , the author labeled Watson “ignorant” and “privileged,” while also calling out Daniel Radcliffe by name.
Rowling claimed that both Watson and Radcliffe seem to believe their “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 added.
The tension between the author and the actors who brought her characters to life has been brewing since , when Rowling first drew backlash for her outspoken views on gender identity. Since then, LGBTQ+ advocates and various stars from the franchise have publicly condemned her comments.
Rowling also used her recent posts to reflect on a specific “turning point” in her relationship with Watson: the BAFTA Awards.
While taking the stage that year, Watson — a prominent women’s rights activist — told the audience, “I’m here for all of the witches,” which many interpreted as a dig at Rowling.
Rowling alleged on X that following that moment, Watson had someone deliver a sympathetic letter to her that read, “I’m so sorry for what you’re going through.”
“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 wrote.
While Watson and Radcliffe have remained vocal in their opposition to Rowling’s stances, other cast members have remained quieter or more supportive of the author over the years, leading fans to speculate exactly who falls into Rowling’s “deep affection” category.
As the social media storm continues, the franchise itself is moving into a new era. HBO is currently filming a television remake of the original books with a fresh cast, and new audiobooks of the series are on the way.
But for the original “Potter kids,” it seems the battle of the wands has moved firmly into the real world.
Would you like me to look into which other Harry Potter stars have publicly supported J.K. Rowling?
