Daniel Radcliffe to Bowen Yang: Celebrities who have called out J.K. Rowling’s anti trans views

J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books, has courted controversy in the past for her opposition to transgender rights. Her stance has come under sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, activists and even some of the stars who worked in the film series based on her books.

From Harry Potter alum like Daniel Radcliffe to Saturday Night Live’s Bowen Yang, many have publicly denounced J.K. Rowling’s views, expressing their support of the trans community.

Rowling’s public criticism of transgender rights received widespread attention in 2019 when she defended a researcher who lost her job due to transphobic remarks. In a 2020 essay, the author doubled down, opposing gender self-identification, and presenting her viewpoint as a defense of women’s rights.

In April 2025, the U.K. Supreme Court ruled that womanhood is legally defined by biological s*x, a decision hailed by Rowling. After the court's verdict Rowling took to X to celebrate the decision, She posted a photo of her smoking a cigar and wrote on X:

“I love it when a plan comes together.”

In another post, she wrote:

"The fact that so many UK trans activists are shrieking about injustice says it all. You never had the rights you claim you've now lost; you had demands."

In response, Saturday Night Live star Bowen Yang put up a very blunt Instagram post reading “Absolute f--- u to jk rowling,” next to the trans pride flag emoji.

Likewise the Bridgerton actress Nicola Coughlan also criticized Rowling’s response to the verdict. According to Us Weekly, she shared a headline reading “This Is a New Low for J.K. Rowling” and wrote :

"Keep your new ‘Harry Potter’ lads. Wouldn’t touch it with a 10 foot pole."

Daniel Radcliffe and the Harry Potter Cast's thoughts on J.K. Rowling's statements

Daniel Radcliffe, who starred as the famous boy wizard, was one of the first to speak out. His defense rested on respect for the LGBTQ+ fans who derived comfort from Harry Potter. According to Us Weekly, in a statement to The Trevor Project, he wrote:

"Transgender women are women... Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people."

Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, shared similar sentiments, stating that she supports trans rights. At the 2022 BAFTAs, Watson said: "I'm here for all the witches," and the statement was interpreted by many as her support for inclusivity.

Other Harry Potter stars, such as Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood, and Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, expressed disappointment in Rowling’s remarks but acknowledged her impact on their lives.

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According to Pedestrian, Eddie Redmayne, who appeared in the Fantastic Beasts spinoffs, also contradicted Rowling, stating the online abuse aimed at trans people was “absolutely disgusting.”

While many stars have taken a stand against J.K. Rowling, some like Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort) and Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange) have continued to defend her right to express her opinions.

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