Ralph Fiennes expressed support for JK Rowling in a recent interview with The Telegraph (via The Hollywood Reporter). The actor, who starred as the villain Lord Voldemort in the “Harry Potter” film franchise, said he is uncomfortable with the treatment given to Rowling after his controversial views on gender identity and biological sex. Rowling’s views were condemned as transphobic, and Fiennes’ co-stars in “Harry Potter” Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and others all showed support for the transgender community after Rowling’s comments.
“I can’t understand the vitriol aimed at her,” Fiennes told The Telegraph about Rowling and the reaction she faced last year. “I can understand the heat of an argument, but I find this era of accusation and the need to condemn it irrational. I find the level of hatred that people express about points of view that differ from theirs and the violence of language towards others disturbing. “
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The reaction against Rowling started on June 6, 2020, after she posted a series of comments on Twitter in which she argued that discussing gender identity denies biological sex. “If the sex is not real, there is no attraction to the same sex,” wrote the author. “If sex is not real, the reality experienced by women around the world is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to discuss their lives in a meaningful way. Rowling later published an essay on the subject.
Radcliffe, who led Rowling’s “Harry Potter” film franchise in the title role, published a statement a few days later via The Trevor Project’s website in which he stood up in support of the transgender community.
“Trans women are women,” wrote Radcliffe in his open letter. “Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health associations that have much more experience in this matter than Jo or me.”
Radcliffe continued, “To all people who now feel that their experience of the [‘Harry Potter’] books have been tarnished or diminished, I deeply regret the pain these comments have caused you. I really hope you don’t entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you … if they taught you that strength is found in diversity, and that dogmatic ideas of purity lead to the oppression of vulnerable groups; if you believe that a particular character is trans, not binary or gender fluid, or that he is gay or bisexual; if you found something in these stories that resonated with you and helped you at any point in your life – then it lies between you and the book you read, and it is sacred. And in my opinion nobody can touch that. “
Rowling’s reaction grew to such an extent that Warner Bros. issued a statement on June 10, 2020. Warner Bros. is still in business with Rowling in the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise, the third film from which he is back in production.
“The events in recent weeks have confirmed our determination as a company to tackle difficult social issues,” said the studio. “Warner Bros. ‘ position on inclusion is well established, and promoting a diverse and inclusive culture has never been more important to our company and our audience around the world. We deeply value the work of our storytellers, who are very dedicated to sharing their creations with everyone We recognize our responsibility to foster empathy and defend the understanding of all communities and people, especially those with whom we work and reach through our content. ”
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