Watson Treasures Rowling, Seeks Dialogue Amid Rift

Emma Watson said on Jay Shetty’s podcast that she still 'treasures' her past relationship with J.K. Rowling, reaffirmed her 2020 public support for transgender people, and remains open to a direct conversation despite their disagreement. She said she is hurt a constructive conversation never happened but hopes people who disagree can still love one another, and noted she is re-emerging after a seven-year acting hiatus and feels 'happiest and healthiest.' Rowling, who has publicly said she will 'never forgive' Watson and co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint for opposing her views, criticized the trio after the Cass Report and has continued to post gender-critical views. According to multiple reports, Rowling responded to Watson’s olive branch with veiled reposts and satirical quote-tweets on X, signaling reluctance to reconcile, and the exchange has reignited public debate.