Emma Watson ‘Treasures’ J.K. Rowling Despite Trans Rights Controversy

Emma Watson is opening up about her complicated (that’s putting it lightly) relationship with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.

On the latest episode of Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast, the actress—who played Hermione Granger in all eight Harry Potter movies—reflected on how she holds space for her personal experiences with Rowling and her personal values that diverge from the author’s views on transgender rights.

“I really don’t believe that by having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, mean that I can’t and don’t treasure Jo and the person that I had personal experiences with,” Watson said around the 21 minute mark of the interview. “I will never believe that one negates the other and that my experience of that person, I don’t get to keep and cherish to come back to our earlier thing."

The actress continued: "I just don’t think these things are either-or. I think it’s my deepest wish that I hope people who don’t agree with my opinion will love me, and I hope I can keep loving people who I don’t necessarily share the same opinion with.”

Watson’s reflection comes years into Rowling’s public clash with transgender rights advocates, which escalated in 2020, when the author posted a series of tweets and a lengthy essay that many viewed as transphobic.

“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," Watson quickly voiced in a social media post. "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.”

During her podcast appearance, Watson admitted that what hurts most about the Rowling situation was the lack of dialogue.

“I think the thing I’m most upset about is that a conversation was never made possible,” she said.

Watson made it clear she’s still open to talking with the author.

“Yeah, and I always will [be]," she said. "I believe in that. I believe in that completely.”

Rowling, however, may not be open to that idea. She’s said firmly that she doesn’t see herself apologizing to Watson or her HP co-star Daniel Radcliffe.

When someone tweeted at her about it, Rowling replied: “Not safe, I’m afraid. Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces.”

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