Veteran actor Jim Broadbent, known for his role as Horace Slughorn in the Harry Potter franchise, has voiced his support for author JK Rowling amidst backlash over her controversial views on trans people. During an interview with The Telegraph, Broadbent described the situation as “sad” and expressed his admiration for Rowling, adding that he would support her if it came to it.
Rowling has faced criticism for her repeated comments about trans people and her so-called “gender critical” stance, which has led to calls for boycotts of her work. The recent announcement of a Harry Potter TV series at HBO, with Rowling serving as an executive producer, has further fueled the controversy. While some have dismissed the backlash as a “very online conversation,” many former fans of the franchise have pledged to boycott the series.
Broadbent is just the latest in a long line of Harry Potter actors to weigh in on the controversy. While some, like Evanna Lynch (who played Luna Lovegood), have praised Rowling’s views, others, like Daniel Radcliffe (who played Harry Potter himself), have voiced their support for the trans community. Radcliffe recently hosted a roundtable discussion with trans youth in partnership with the US LGBTQ+ charity The Trevor Project.
In addition to Radcliffe, other Harry Potter stars such as Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, and Matthew Lewis have spoken out in defense of trans people and their right to live freely and authentically. The controversy highlights the ongoing debate over trans rights and the responsibility of public figures to use their platform to support marginalized communities. As the Harry Potter franchise continues to be a cultural touchstone for many, it remains to be seen how the controversy will affect the upcoming TV series and the legacy of the beloved books and films.