Daniel Radcliffe Hits Out At JK Rowling Over Controversial Comments About Transgender People And Apologises To Harry Potter Fans

9 June 2020, 11:31

Daniel Radcliffe has spoken out against JK Rowling's comments. Picture: PA images

Daniel Radcliffe has apologised to Harry Potter fans over JK Rowling's transgender comments.

Daniel Radcliffe has hit out at JK Rowling over controversial comments she made about transgender people and apologised to Harry Potter fans.

The actor, who played the lead role in the film series, posted a statement through The Trevor Project after feeling 'compelled to say something'.

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It read: “I realize that certain press outlets will probably want to paint this as in-fighting between J.K. Rowling and myself, but that is really not what this is about, nor is it what's important right now. While Jo is unquestionably responsible for the course my life has taken, as someone who has been honored to work with and continues to contribute to The Trevor Project for the last decade, and just as a human being, I feel compelled to say something at this moment.

“Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I. According to The Trevor Project, 78% of transgender and nonbinary youth reported being the subject of discrimination due to their gender identity. It's clear that we need to do more to support transgender and nonbinary people, not invalidate their identities, and not cause further harm.

Daniel Radcliffe responded to the comments through The Trevor Project. Picture: The Trevor Project

“I am still learning how to be a better ally, so if you want to join me in learning more about transgender and nonbinary identities check out The Trevor Project's Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth. It's an introductory educational resource that covers a wide range of topics, including the differences between sex and gender, and shares best practices on how to support transgender and nonbinary people.

“To all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished, I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you. I really hope that you don't entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you. If these books taught you that love is the strongest force in the universe, capable of overcoming anything; if they taught you that strength is found in diversity, and that dogmatic ideas of pureness lead to the oppression of vulnerable groups; if you believe that a particular character is trans, nonbinary, or gender fluid, or that they are gay or bisexual; if you found anything in these stories that resonated with you and helped you at any time in your life — then that is between you and the book that you read, and it is sacred. And in my opinion nobody can touch that. It means to you what it means to you and I hope that these comments will not taint that too much.

“Love always, Dan.”

JK Rowling came under fire at the weekend when she tweeted about an article discussing ‘people who menstruate’.

Her post read: "I'm sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?"

If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 6, 2020