J.K. Rowling, one of the most iconic authors of our time and the creative force behind the Harry Potter franchise, has remained a prominent public figure long after the final book in her beloved series was released. Her work continues to be celebrated around the world, with Harry Potter still ranking among the most-read and best-selling book series in history. However, in recent years, Rowling has become a polarizing figure—not for her writing, but for her controversial views on gender identity and trans rights.

The tension began years ago but has reignited following Rowling’s recent comments in response to the long-awaited Cass Review, a report by Dr. Hilary Cass examining gender identity services for children in the UK. The report raised serious concerns about the lack of robust research on the use of puberty blockers in young patients. Following its release, Rowling took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express her outrage over what she described as “severe medical malpractice.”

In a passionate thread, Rowling didn’t hold back. “Where is your sense of self-preservation, even if you don’t feel guilty about applauding what appears to be serious medical negligence?” she asked. “The bandwagon you jumped on so gladly is hurtling towards a cliff.”

Rowling’s tone was emotional and unapologetic. “If I seem angry, it’s because I’m bloody angry,” she added. “Children have suffered irreversible harm, and thousands of people—not just medical professionals but also celebrity spokespersons, gullible journalists, and ruthless corporations—have participated in this.”

Though Rowling didn’t initially name anyone specifically, her frustration appeared to be directed at public figures who had distanced themselves from her stance on transgender issues, including former Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson. One fan on X commented, “I’m just waiting for Dan and Emma to give you a very public apology, secure in the understanding that you will pardon them.”

Rowling’s response was blunt: “Not safe, I’m afraid.” She elaborated further, criticizing celebrities who she believes used their platforms to support a movement she views as harmful to women’s rights and to children. “Celebs who backed a movement aimed at undermining women’s hard-won rights… should hold off on apologizing to traumatized detransitioners and vulnerable women who depend on single-sex spaces.”

This isn’t the first time Radcliffe and Watson have found themselves on the opposite side of Rowling’s opinions. Back in 2020, Rowling faced widespread backlash after retweeting an article that used the phrase “people who menstruate.” She mocked the language, tweeting, “People who menstruate. I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?”

Her comments were seen by many as dismissive of trans and nonbinary individuals, sparking an immediate firestorm online. Critics accused Rowling of promoting transphobic rhetoric, while supporters argued she was defending biological definitions of sex.

Rowling doubled down on her views, tweeting later, “If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. Telling the truth is not hate.”

In response, Daniel Radcliffe penned an open letter through The Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth. “Transgender women are women,” he wrote. “Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people.” Radcliffe also expressed regret if Rowling’s comments had hurt anyone, saying he hoped his words could offer some comfort to those affected.

Emma Watson also released a public statement affirming her support for the transgender community. “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without