Renowned author JK Rowling, who has made several anti-trans statements in recent years, has said that Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson can “save their apologies” as their relationships continue to go downhill over their positions on trans rights.
The author blasted the stars in the wake of a landmark review into gender treatment in the UK, which examines gender services for young people in the UK, in particular the use of puberty blockers.
On Wednesday, Rowling took to X and shared a lengthy commentary on the report. She called paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass' report 'the most robust review of the medical evidence for transitioning children that's ever been conducted'.
She also said that she was “bloody angry” and called out everyone from doctors to “celebrity mouthpieces” who were “complicit” in “irreversibly” harming children who transition.
One fan responded, saying that they were waiting for franchise stars such as Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson to apologize for their support of transgender rights. JK revealed what she thought about that.
The fan wrote that Daniel and Emma would be “safe in the knowledge that [JK] will forgive them.” However, she did not agree.
“Not safe, I’m afraid. Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces,” the author responded.
If you were unaware, in 2020 both Daniel and Emma voiced support for the trans community following controversial social media posts from Rowling.
In June 2020, Rowling appeared to make light of efforts to be inclusive to the trans community as she shared a link to an article titled: “Opinion: Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate.”
Alongside the link, Rowling commented, “’People who menstruate’. I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?”
As Rowling faced massive backlash, Harry Potter stars Radcliffe and Watson both showed their support for the trans community.
Radcliffe apologized for 'the pain' Rowling's comments had caused and wrote an essay for LGBTQ+ organization The Trevor Project.
Meanwhile, Watson told her trans followers that she and 'so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are'.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' 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.