JK Rowling finally responds to Emma Watson olive branch amid trans row as she mocks actress

WATCH HERE: Daniel Radcliffe REOPENS WAR on JK Rowling as actor UNLEASHES fresh verdict on trans debate row

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GB NEWS

Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 27/09/2025

- 15:37

The actress changed her stance on the Harry Potter author during a recent interview

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has endorsed a satirical video lampooning Emma Watson's recent podcast appearance where the actress discussed their fractured relationship over transgender rights.

JK Rowling reposted a spoof created by comedian IntelLady on X, formerly Twitter, adding her approval with the caption: "I'm here for ALL the spoofs."


The remark mocks Ms Watson's speech from the 2022 BAFTAs, in which she took aim at Ms Rowling as she remarked: "I'm here for all the witches".

The author's response comes despite the actress expressing sadness that "a conversation was never made possible" between them.

JK RowlingJK Rowling has faced a huge backlash for her views on the trans debate | PA

Ms Watson had extended what many interpreted as an olive branch, stating she could "treasure" her past experiences with the Harry Potter writer whilst maintaining her support for transgender rights.

During the podcast interview, she articulated her belief that holding differing views shouldn't prevent mutual respect and affection.

"I really don't believe that by having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, mean that I can't treasure Jo and the person that I had personal experiences with," the 35-year-old stated.

She expressed her "deepest wish" that those who disagree with her stance could still care for her, whilst she maintains affection for those with opposing views.

The Little Women actress emphasised her openness to dialogue, confirming she remains willing to engage in discussion.

Ms Watson's comments represented her first public address of the dispute since the controversy began, following years of silence on the matter.

The satirical clip features IntelLady wearing a wig whilst impersonating Ms Watson, declaring she would "stand shoulder to shoulder with those who wish harm on Ms Rowling, hate her, and would wish the absolute worst for her in her life."

The comedian suggested the actress' conciliatory tone might be motivated by potential future roles, joking: "My agent hasn't called me again in a while, so I don't know if that will be possible."

Ms Rowling's endorsement of the spoof effectively rejected Ms Watson's overture, with the author adding she was "already missing @intel_lady's Angela Rayner" impression, before she added: "but I'm here for ALL the spoofs," along with a laughing emoji.

The conflict between Ms Rowling and the Harry Potter cast emerged in 2020 when Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint publicly supported transgender rights and criticised Ms Rowling.

Watson had posted: "Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren't who they say they are."

Mr Radcliffe penned a statement declaring "Transgender women are women," whilst Mr Grint also expressed solidarity with the trans community.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson changed her stance on JK Rowling in a recent interview

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In April 2024, Ms Rowling declared she would "never forgive" the actors, accusing them of supporting "a movement intent on eroding women's hard-won rights."

The author has faced ongoing criticism for her gender-critical stance since 2019, with many describing her posts as transphobic.

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Emma WatsonEmma Watson was just a child when she shot to fame in Harry Potter | PA


This year, Ms Rowling reportedly donated £70,000 to For Women Scotland, a campaigning group involved in legal challenges regarding the definition of women.