Emma Watson says she can still 'treasure' J.K. Rowling despite her anti-trans beliefs: 'No one is...

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The &34;Harry Potter&34; actress added that she is disappointed that &34;a conversation was never made possible&34; between the pair. Emma Watson says she can s

The "Harry Potter" actress added that she is disappointed that "a conversation was never made possible" between the pair.

Emma Watson says she can still 'treasure' J.K. Rowling despite her anti-trans beliefs: 'No one is disposable'

The "Harry Potter" actress added that she is disappointed that "a conversation was never made possible" between the pair.

By Shania Russell

Shania Russell

Shania Russell is a news writer at *, *with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine.

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September 24, 2025 2:21 p.m. ET

Emma Watson; J.K. Rowling. Credit:

Arturo Holmes/Getty; Dia Dipasupil/Getty

Emma Watson has opened up for the first time about her complicated relationship with *Harry Potter* franchise author J.K. Rowling.

The actress, who rose to fame for her role as Hermione Granger across the series' eight movies, had previously spoken out in support of trans rights after Rowling first began espousing anti-trans rhetoric in 2019. In an interview on Jay Shetty's *On Purpose *podcast published Wednesday, Watson clarified that their differences do not mean she doesn't appreciate the years she spent growing up in Rowling's fantasy world.

"I really don't believe that by having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, mean that I can't and don't treasure Jo and the person that I had personal experiences with," Watson told Shetty. "I will never believe that one negates the other and that my experience of that person, I don't get to keep and cherish."

J.K. Rowling and Emma Watson in 2013.

David M. Benett/Getty

She added, "I just don't think these things are either/or. I hope people who don't agree with my opinion will love me and I hope I can keep loving people who I don't necessarily share the same opinion with. And I think that's a very, very important way for me that I need to be able to move through life."

Watson went on to say that she very much believes in "having conversations" about tough issues and is opposed to "throwing people out" just because their opinions and values don't line up.

"I just see this world right now where we seem to be giving permission for this kind of throwing out of people or that people are disposable and I just think, I will always think that's wrong," she explained. "I believe that no one is disposable. And everyone as far as possible, whatever the conversation is, should and can be treated with dignity and respect."

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Rowling has long been criticized by LGBTQ+ organizations and members of her own fan base for reiterating hurtful rhetoric that is tied to the TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminists) movement, which posits the belief that trans women are not women. In 2020, she penned a lengthy essay defending her stance that biological sex should be considered separate from gender. At the time, she positioned her stance as a pro-feminist perspective rather than anti-trans, but has since identified herself as a TERF.

Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, and Rupert Grint in 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2'.

Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros.

In response to the essay, Watson made her disagreement clear: "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," Watson wrote in a 2020 social media post. "I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are."

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Watson was not alone. Her longtime costar and *Harry Potter* lead Daniel Radcliffe has consistently voiced support for transgender rights. "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," Radcliffe wrote at the time. "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."

In 2024, Rowling declared that she would not forgive the Wizarding World alums for supporting trans rights.

While speaking to Shetty, Watson said the most upsetting element of the situation is that "a conversation was never made possible." When the host asked if she remains open for a dialogue with Rowling, the actress nodded.

"Yes, and I always will. I believe in that completely," Watson said, before addressing her hesitance to speak on the subject: "I just don't want to say anything that continues to weaponize a really toxic debate and conversation, which is maybe why I don't comment or continue to comment. Not because I don't care about her or about the issue, but because the way the conversation is being had feels really painful for me."

Watch Watson's full conversation with Shetty above.**

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