Did JK Rowling just brutally mock 'Harry Potter' stars?
What's the story
JK Rowling, the author of the illustrious Harry Potter series, has sparked controversy with her latest post on X. When asked to name actors who ruin movies, she cryptically replied, "Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible," with three laughing emojis. Though she didn't name anyone outright, fans started speculating she was referring to Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint—the trio who led her uber-successful series on screen.
Twitter Post
Read the author's tweet here
Three guesses.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 18, 2025
Sorry, but that was irresistible.
🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/hAMHw2b8EV
Dispute
The celebrities' fallout can be traced back to 2020
This post comes amid an ongoing dispute between Rowling and the three Harry Potter stars. The discord started in 2020 after Rowling made controversial comments about transgender identity, describing it as "deeply misogynistic and regressive." The comments drew ire and Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint publicly expressed their support for trans rights.
Support
Radcliffe's open letter and Watson's social media statement
In light of Rowling's comments, Radcliffe wrote an open letter for LGBTQ+ charity The Trevor Project. He said he was sorry for the "pain" Rowling's comments caused and stressed that it's important to support transgender and non-binary people. Meanwhile, Watson posted on X sharing her support for the trans community, adding, "Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned."
Statement
Grint's stance and Rowling's response
Grint also expressed his support for the trans community at the time, stating, "I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers. Trans women are women. Trans men are men." In response to the backlash against her, Rowling suggested in 2024 that she would likely never forgive Radcliffe and Watson, accusing them of aligning with a movement that aims to undermine women's rights.
Twitter Post
Netizens weren't left amused...
Classy. Real classy. There are better ways to get attention than trying to beef people 30 years younger than you, ya know, but no better way to look like the bitter old woman you've become. You're such a disappointment, JK
— TerraRizingMoon (@TerraRizingMoon) March 19, 2025
Throwback
A few 'HP' actors did back Rowling though
In June 2020, Rowling received severe backlash after she shared multiple anti-trans social media posts. Ralph Fiennes, who played Voldemort in the films, later came to Rowling's defense, calling the abuse she received "disgusting" in an interview with The Telegraph. Meanwhile, Helena Bonham Carter, who played Bellatrix Lestrange, also backed Rowling, saying in The Times that the backlash against her had been taken to extremes. Although Rowling was missing from HP reunion special, she's associated with the upcoming HBO series.