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Emma Watson sat down with Jay Shetty for her first long podcast in over five years and opened up about her complicated relationship with JK Rowling. Watson, 35, played Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films and has publicly disagreed with Rowling’s anti-trans views.
During the chat, Watson said she could “never cancel” Rowling because of the personal experiences and opportunities she received from the author. She explained that loving and respecting someone for the support they gave you doesn’t mean ignoring their problematic actions.
Watson said her deepest wish is for people to treat each other with dignity and respect, even when they disagree. She believes no one is disposable and that conversations should be possible, though she avoids adding to toxic debates.
She also acknowledged Rowling’s past kindness and encouragement, saying the chance to portray Hermione was a rare opportunity in English literature. “There is just no world in which I could ever cancel her out… it has to remain true — it is true,” Watson said.
In short, Watson holds both gratitude and criticism at the same time, explaining that she can love Rowling for what she gave while still opposing views she doesn’t agree with.