J.K. Rowling and her controversial statements have been a sensitive topic for all the stars made famous by "Harry Potter" for years. Again and again the author expresses transphobia. Emma Watson has already publicly positioned herself, and Daniel Radcliffe has also taken a stand in the past. But now Rowling gets support from another "Harry Potter" star. Actor Ralph Fiennes, who plays Lord Voldemort in the films, spoke to The New York Times about the creator of the Sorcerer's Apprentice series.

"The abuse that has been leveled at her is disgusting, it's horrific. I mean, I can understand being angry about what she's saying about women," he told the newspaper, then adding: "But it It's not some obscene, ultra right wing fascist. It's just a woman saying, 'I'm a woman and I feel like a woman and I want to be able to say I'm a woman.'"

He is alluding to a conflict that Rowling started on Twitter in 2020. At the time, she shared an article about a foreign aid project that used the term "people who menstruate" instead of the word "women" in the headline. The author wrote: "'People who menstruate.' I'm sure there used to be a word for these people. Help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?" (An allusion in English women, editor's note.)

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Eddie Redmayne then spoke out, contradicting what many people described as "transphobic" comments from Rowling. Watson said: "Trans people are who they say they are and they deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned and told they are not who they are. I want mine Trans followers know that I and many other people in this world see, respect and love you for who you are."

Fiennes sees the debate differently than his younger "Harry Potter" colleagues, he explains to the "New York Times". "J.K. Rowling wrote these great books that are about self-determination, about young kids finding themselves as human beings. It's about becoming a better, stronger, morally-minded person," he explains.

Rupert Grint, who plays Ron Weasley in the films, had what must have been the most diplomatic response to the inventor of the hit books earlier this year. "I see J.K. Rowling as an aunt. I don't necessarily agree with everything my aunt says, but she's still my aunt. It's a tricky thing," he told the Sunday Times.

Quellen: "New York Times" / "Sunday Times"

also read

J.K Rowling explains her controversial statements - and reveals dark past

After controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling: Four authors draw conclusions