Here’s What Every Celeb Who Dismisses Trans People By Working On New “Harry Potter” Projects Sounds Like To Me
This week, a video surfaced showing Keira Knightley discussing her role as Professor Umbridge in Audible’s *Harry Potter: The Full Cast Audio Edition*. Amid calls for a boycott over J.K. Rowling’s controversial stance on trans issues, Knightley’s comments reflect a common sentiment among some actors involved in Rowling’s projects.
In the clip, Knightley stated, “I’m very sorry,” with a laugh when informed about the boycott, adding, “I think we’re all living in a period of time right now — we’re all gonna have to figure out how to live together aren’t we? And we’ve all got very different opinions. So I hope that we can all find respect.” Her words echo what actors like John Lithgow and Nick Frost have said about their participation in upcoming *Harry Potter* projects.
John Lithgow, cast as Dumbledore in HBO’s series, remarked, “No, absolutely not. Of course, it was a big decision because it’s probably the last major role I’ll play,” emphasizing that his choice was not influenced by controversy. Similarly, Frost noted, “[Rowling is] allowed her opinion and I’m allowed mine, they just don’t align in any way, shape or form,” signaling a separation between personal beliefs and professional choices.
Tom Felton, who will reprise Draco Malfoy on Broadway’s *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*, shared that he was unfazed by the controversy, saying, “I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world — here I am in New York — and I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter and she’s responsible for that, so I am incredibly grateful.”
In response to this pattern, I’ve drafted a satirical PR statement aimed at those who might feel compelled to justify their involvement amidst the controversy:
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**Sample PR Statement (for actors involved in Rowling-related projects):**
*Hi fans! It’s me, the famous actor you liked, who you’re now going to feel slightly weird about for all time. The rumors are true! I’m in the new “Harry Potter” project. Rest assured, this is nothing like the seven books, eight movie adaptations, three prequel movies, hit Broadway play, countless video games, or existing audiobooks. This one is definitely artistically important. I promise.*
*It has come to my attention that J.K. Rowling, the creative force behind the franchise, has faced a spot of bother over her views on trans people. I had no idea that one of the most famous authors of my lifetime was in the midst of a widely reported on, multi-year hate campaign. As an actor, I do this thing where I don’t concern myself with online rubbish like “tweets” or “the dignity and lives of trans people.” I have to spend that time preparing for great roles. There’s a part in the upcoming biopic of the guy who invented the paper shredder that I’m just dying to play!*
*All this boils down to a simple difference of opinion. Did you know that Rowling and I actually differ on a great many things? Did you know she doesn’t think that pickleball is gauche? This is totally, definitely, just like that.*
*Oh, what? Rowling has given tens of thousands of dollars to groups that brought cases to the UK Supreme Court that effectively ruled trans women are not women, and cheered on reports that led to the banning of puberty blockers for trans youth. But, you see, that’s just opinions, right?*
*So, dear fan, you may be trans or love trans people, and their lives are being thrown into turmoil by these actions. But it’s also important for me to know I love money. Gobble gobble gobble. Why can’t we all get along?*
*Hope this clarifies things!*
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This satirical draft highlights the dissonance between actors’ public statements and the real impact of Rowling’s actions on trans lives, which often gets overshadowed by vague boilerplate responses.
To recap, controversies persist as many involved in Rowling’s projects maintain tepid neutrality, often citing personal freedom or artistic value while ignoring the harm caused by her public stance and donations—such as funding legal battles that deny trans people legal recognition or influence policies banning gender-affirming care.
Given the ongoing debates, it’s crucial to recognize that support or silence from these celebrities directly or indirectly sustains the systemic issues faced by trans communities worldwide. The discrepancy between their words and actions reveals what they truly prioritize.
*Note: This is an opinion piece sharing personal views, including a brief mention of mental health consequences.*
