J.K. Rowling is one of the richest and most influential authors of all time. Her ‘Harry Potter’ books have sold over 500 million copies, been translated into at least 70 languages, and spawned a global media franchise. However, her recent comments on trans people have tarnished her image.
Now, English actor Ralph Fiennes has come out in her defense. He called the verbal abuse directed at the author “disgusting” and “appalling.” His support of Rowling’s seemingly transphobic comments isn’t going well with people. Let’s find out more about what he said.
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Ralph Fiennes Calls The Verbal Abuse On J.K. Rowling As “Disgusting”
Celebrated author J.K. Rowling has been at the receiving end of a lot of hate because of her views on trans people. She has repeatedly defended her views that are deemed transphobic.
In an interview with The New York Times, Ralph Fiennes, who played Voldemort in the ‘Harry Potter‘ film series, has come out in her support. He condemned the verbal abuse directed at her.
“The verbal abuse directed at her is disgusting, it’s appalling,” he said. “I mean, I can understand a viewpoint that might be angry at what she says about women.” Fiennes continued, “But it’s not some obscene, über-right-wing fascist. It’s just a woman saying, ‘I’m a woman and I feel I’m a woman and I want to be able to say that I’m a woman.'”
“J.K. Rowling has written these great books about empowerment, about young children finding themselves as human beings,” Fiennes told the magazine. “It’s about how you become a better, stronger, more morally centered human being.”
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Rowling’s Views Have Got Her In Trouble
Since late 2019-early 2020, J.K. Rowling has been expressing some controversial views on the transgender community on Twitter. Some people have labeled her as a “trans-exclusionary radical feminist“.
She further made some claims about trans people that were not backed by any data, which led to her receiving more heat. Rowling has stated that she has been threatened with violence because of these comments.
Some actors in the ‘Harry Potter‘ series have distanced themselves from her. Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliffe, who played Ron Weasley and Harry Potter respectively, said that they don’t agree with her views.
Katie Leung and Emma Watson, have tweeted their support for trans people amid the controversy. The author was also not invited to the ‘Harry Potter‘ 20th Anniversary special.
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