Harry Potter Actors Divided Over JK Rowling’s Trans Comments Amid Backlash

Miriam Margolyes, known for her role as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films, has publicly criticized JK Rowling's stance on transgender issues as "too harsh" while also expressing concern over the transgender community's intense backlash against Rowling. Margolyes, who supports trans rights and advocates for kindness between communities, acknowledged fears some women have regarding single-sex spaces and sports participation, aligning with some of Rowling's concerns. Despite disagreeing with Rowling's views, Margolyes called for gentler discourse, emphasizing that all groups face oppression. JK Rowling has faced widespread criticism from LGBTQ+ activists and several Harry Potter cast members, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, who have distanced themselves from her due to her comments on transgender identities. Radcliffe notably affirmed that "transgender women are women" and revealed in 2024 that he had not spoken to Rowling for years. Margolyes' comments highlight ongoing divisions within the Harry Potter community over transgender rights and the balance between protecting women's spaces and supporting transgender individuals.