Rupert Grint has spoken out in response to controversial comments made by JK Rowling, which garnered accusations of “transphobia” from certain members of the public.
The 31-year-old Harry Potter star said he “echoes the sentiments” expressed by his co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, defending trans women in a passionate statement.
Speaking to The Times, he said: “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.
“We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgement.”
The author was met by backlash last weekend after she shared an article which referenced “people who menstruate” in the headline.
JK Rowling’s comments about gender were met by backlash last weekend (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
In response to the wording of the headline, she wrote: “I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?”
The author was then asked to apologise, with many perceiving the comment as insensitive and offensive to trans people.
She later addressed the controversy and wrote a personal statement in which she revealed she had been sexually assaulted in her 20s.
Rupert Grint has spoken out following JK Rowling’s controversial comments (Image: Getty Images)
In an essay titled “J.K. Rowling Writes about Her Reasons for Speaking out on Sex and Gender Issues,” she reflected on the backlash and her own personal experiences.
JK also admitted she was still affected by the domestic violence she claimed to experience in her first marriage, which ended in the early 90s.
Both Daniel and Emma spoke out against the author’s initial comments about gender, showing their support for those offended in the trans community.
Emma defended the trans community in a heartfelt post (Image: PA)
Writing a blog post for The Trevor Project, a non-profit devoted to suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ youth, Daniel said: “Transgender women are women.”
He went on: “Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I.”
In a separate statement, Emma said: “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are.
“I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are.”
The Hermione Grainger actress shared links to LBGTQ+ charities Mermaids and Mama Cash in the post, before wishing her followers a happy Pride month.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
