Emma Watson on J.K. Rowling rift: Hope I can keep loving people who don’t share my opinion'

On the most recent episode of On Purpose With Jay Shetty, Emma Watson discussed her complicated connection with J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. Famous for her role as Hermione Granger in all eight Harry Potter films (2001–2011), the actor has recently broken ties with Rowling due to the author's views on transgender issues.

JK Rowling faces backlash over transgender comments

In 2020, Rowling faced widespread criticism for allegedly transphobic tweets and a 3,600-word article. In response, Watson issued a statement expressing solidarity with transgender people. She expressed her belief on social media that transgender people should be able to live their lives freely and be accepted for who they are.

During her chat with Shetty, Watson mentioned Rowling's remarks about how she would "never forgive" the actor for her position and how she and her Harry Potter co-stars now "ruin" Rowling's movies.

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Cherishing personal experiences despite disagreements

Watson clarified, stepping back from her argument, "I really don’t believe that by having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, it means 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. To come back to our earlier thing—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."

"I think the thing I’m most upset about is that a conversation was never made possible," Watson said, expressing his dissatisfaction with the lack of dialogue. "Yeah, and I always will. I believe in that. I believe in that completely," she replied when asked if she is still available for conversation.

Reflecting on a seven-year break from acting

In addition to thinking about Rowling, Watson pondered her seven-year break from performing. "Maybe the happiest and healthiest [she's] ever been" due to the break, she said in an interview with Hollywood Authentic, even if she misses performing.

She explained, "The bigger component than the actual job itself is the promotion and selling of that piece of work, this piece of art. The balance of that can get quite thrown off. I think I’ll be honest and straightforward and say: I do not miss selling things. I found that to be quite soul-destroying. But I do very much miss using my skill set, and I very much miss the art. I just found I got to do so little of the bit that I actually enjoyed."

Watson's statements demonstrate her thoughtful approach to distinguishing between personal adoration and disagreement, as well as her dedication to preserving discussion and personal well-being in the face of public and professional obstacles.

FAQs:

Q: Why did Emma Watson distance herself from J.K. Rowling?

A: Emma Watson distanced herself from J.K. Rowling due to the author’s views on transgender issues. In 2020, Watson voiced support for the transgender community after Rowling posted tweets and an essay widely criticized as transphobic.

Q: What did Emma Watson say about her relationship with J.K. Rowling?

A: Watson said, “I really don’t believe that by having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, it means that I can’t and don’t treasure Jo and the person that I had personal experiences with.” She emphasized that one can cherish past experiences while disagreeing on certain issues.

Q: Is Emma Watson open to talking with J.K. Rowling in the future?

A: Yes. Watson said, “Yeah, and I always will. I believe in that. I believe in that completely,” showing her willingness to have a dialogue despite their differences.