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Emma Watson recently opened up about her past rift with J.K. Rowling in an interview on the On Purpose With Jay Shetty podcast. She reflected on the tension that arose after Rowling’s controversial comments about the transgender community and explained that, despite differing opinions, she still values the personal experiences she shared with the author. Emma emphasized that having disagreements does not diminish the love or respect she holds for someone:
“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 and don’t treasure Jo and the person that I had personal experiences with. I will never believe that one negates the other and that my experience of that person, I don’t get to keep and cherish… I just don’t think these things are either or. I think it’s my deepest wish that I hope people who don’t agree with my opinion will love me, and I hope I can keep loving people who I don’t necessarily share the same opinion with.”
Emma also expressed regret that a direct conversation with Rowling about the matter never took place and stated that she would be open to having that conversation in the future, believing in the importance of dialogue.
The disagreement originally stemmed from Rowling’s outspoken anti-transgender views, which Emma and her Harry Potter co-star Daniel Radcliffe publicly distanced themselves from in 2020. Both actors expressed support for the transgender community, asserting that trans people deserve to live their lives without being questioned about their identity. Emma shared on social media:
“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.”
Through her comments, Emma highlighted the possibility of maintaining respect and personal connection despite fundamental differences in opinion, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to a complex and sensitive issue.