Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has responded to JK Rowling's ongoing criticism of the transgender community, expressing deep sadness over her remarks.
Rowling's anti-trans stance has garnered attention in recent years, with her social media posts often sparking controversy.
In response to a British investigation on puberty-blocking interventions for transgender people, Rowling reiterated her opposition to trans healthcare, criticising celebrities who have supported the movement.
Radcliffe, who portrayed the beloved wizard in the Harry Potter films, voiced his disappointment with Rowling's comments in an interview, obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.
Reflecting on their past interactions and the world Rowling created, Radcliffe emphasised the empathy he once saw in her work.
“It makes me really sad, ultimately,” Radcliffe said. “I do look at the person that I met, the times that we met, and the books that she wrote, and the world that she created, and all of that is to me so deeply empathic.”
In 2020, Radcliffe had previously issued a statement supporting the trans community through the Trevor Project, acknowledging the pain Rowling's comments may have caused fans, as per The Hollywood Reporter.
He emphasised the importance of separating her views from the values upheld by the Potter franchise's community.
The actor reiterated his stance, emphasising that while Rowling played a significant role in his life and career, individuals should not feel obligated to align with her beliefs indefinitely.
He underscored the importance of standing up for what one truly believes in, even if it means diverging from the views of influential figures.
Representatives for Rowling have not yet responded to requests for comment on Radcliffe's remarks.
Radcliffe's response highlights the ongoing debate surrounding Rowling's comments and their impact on the Harry Potter fan community.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.