JK Rowling responds to Emma Watson’s olive branch amid ongoing feud

Writer JK Rowling has responded to Emma Watson following the actor’s recent comments about their long-running public dispute.

Watson broke her silence on the feud in a podcast this week, where she expressed that despite their differences, she still ‘treasures’ Rowling. The Harry Potter star also revealed that what hurt her most was the absence of any direct conversation between them, suggesting she would be open to dialogue.

When did the fued begin?

The tension between the two dates back to 2020, when Watson publicly supported the transgender community, tweeting: “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.” Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint had also spoken out in support of trans rights, prompting criticism from Rowling.

Rowling has been vocal in her opposition to transgender activism, notably refusing to use trans people’s pronouns and criticising gender identity services in the UK following the controversial Cass Report.

After the report’s publication, Rowling refused to accept apologies from Watson and Radcliffe, accusing them of supporting “a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights” and endorsing “the transitioning of minors.”

Despite Watson’s conciliatory remarks, Rowling appeared uninterested in reconciliation. She took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a pointed post, quoting a previous tirade against public figures supporting transgender rights. The post warned those “regretting their very public sprint to the front of the mob” to “discreetly shove their pitchfork out of sight.”

While Rowling did not name Watson directly, the timing and context made it clear the message was directed at her. When a follower expressed enthusiasm for Rowling’s subtweets, she responded with laughter, suggesting she welcomed the continued back-and-forth.

The response sparked criticism from some fans, who called Rowling’s remarks “unnecessary” and urged her to avoid indirect attacks. One wrote: “Emma spoke openly and respectfully, while you’re just constantly attacking.”

The feud between Rowling and the Harry Potter trio shows no sign of easing, with both sides holding firmly to their views amid public scrutiny.