We’ve seen some rebukes recently from a handful of cast members on the new “Harry Potter” series concerning J.K. Rowling‘s not only heightened transphobia online (vile and harmful bigoted posts on social media geared toward villifying an entire voluernable group of people as potential sex criminals) but her active use of IP residuals/fees from the upcoming HBO Max reboot series for political action in the United Kingdom to directly suppress the rights of the trans community (via the disgusting “The J.K. Rowling Woman’s Fund”). Well, another actor has spoken out against Rowling, with American actress Bel Powley likely known from roles in projects like “White Boy Rick” and “A Small Light.”
During a recent interview with the British outlet The Telegraph, Powley was keen to make it known that she is very much on the side of the trans community with a full-throated denouncement of Rowling’s bigotry and anti-trans political action.
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“I strongly disagree with J.K. Rowling’s views on gender. I think that the trans community deserve safety and dignity and respect and total acceptance,” the actress stated bluntly. Adding the caveat, “But I love ‘Harry Potter.’ I grew up with the books. I am from that first generation of readers and, again, I love magic and spookiness.”
If you’re not already aware, Powley is set to play Petunia Dursley in multiple seasons of “Harry Potter,” the Muggle aunt and guardian of Harry, who sadly mistreats the young boy alongside other members of the family before he eventually leaves them for a better life after gaining his magical abilities.
John Lithgow, who plays the new Dumbledore, has also said he disagrees with Rowling’s views on the trans community, alongside others such as Paapa Essiedu (Snape), Nick Frost (Hagrid), and more adult cast members. So, it’s not like Powley would be the first, or that they’ll see professional consequences or be shunned for these statements of support.
Thankfully, we’re not really in that sort of place anymore. What is a little disconcerting is that the young cast of the “Harry Potter” series will have that cloud of her bigotry surrounding the project, even though Rowling isn’t directly involved with it, but she’s still profiting from the show and using that money directly for anti-trans causes.
