J.K. Rowling issued a lengthy and pointed response to actress Emma Watson on Monday, escalating a years-long public disagreement that began over the author’s views on transgender issues.

Rowling’s statements followed an interview Watson gave to Jay Shetty in which the actress said she had distanced herself from the “Harry Potter” creator but did not believe Rowling should be “canceled” for her views.

Shortly after the interview aired, Rowling shared cryptic posts on X before releasing a direct message naming Watson.

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“Like other people who’ve never experienced adult life uncushioned by wealth and fame, Emma has so little experience of real life she’s ignorant of how ignorant she is,” Rowling wrote.

Watson’s remarks in her interview struck a softer tone.

“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,” Watson said.

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Rowling’s response not only targeted Watson but also Daniel Radcliffe, another star of the “Harry Potter” franchise.

“Emma and Dan in particular have both made it clear over the last few years that they think our former professional association gives them a particular right – nay, obligation – to critique me and my views in public,” Rowling wrote.

She continued, “I’m not owed eternal agreement from any actor who once played a character I created. The idea is as ludicrous as me checking with the boss I had when I was twenty-one for what opinions I should hold these days.”

Despite the sharp criticism, Rowling acknowledged lingering feelings of protectiveness toward Watson.

“Until quite recently, I hadn’t managed to throw off the memory of children who needed to be gently coaxed through their dialogue in a big scary film studio,” she said.

Rowling cited a 2022 incident at the BAFTA Awards as a breaking point in their relationship.

During the event, host Rebel Wilson introduced Watson by saying, “She’s proud to call herself a feminist, but we all know she’s a witch.”

Watson responded on stage, “I’m here for ALL of the witches,” which many interpreted as a public dig at Rowling.

According to Rowling, Watson later sent her a one-line note that read, “I’m so sorry for what you’re going through.” Rowling said this message came at a time when she was receiving threats and had increased her personal security.

“Emma had just publicly poured more petrol on the flames, yet thought a one-line expression of concern from her would reassure me of her fundamental sympathy and kindness,” Rowling wrote.

Rowling contrasted Watson’s wealth and security with the experiences of ordinary women.

“She’ll never need a homeless shelter. She’s never going to be placed on a mixed sex public hospital ward. I’d be astounded if she’s been in a high street changing room since childhood,” Rowling wrote.

She added, “Her ‘public bathroom’ is single occupancy and comes with a security man standing guard outside the door.”

The author continued with examples of situations she said Watson was unlikely to face.

“Has she had to strip off in a newly mixed-sex changing room at a council-run swimming pool? Is she ever likely to need a state-run rape crisis centre that refuses to guarantee an all-female service? To find herself sharing a prison cell with a male rapist who’s identified into the women’s prison?”

Rowling contrasted her own upbringing with Watson’s fame and fortune.

“I wasn’t a multimillionaire at fourteen. I lived in poverty while writing the book that made Emma famous,” she wrote.

“I therefore understand from my own life experience what the trashing of women’s rights in which Emma has so enthusiastically participated means to women and girls without her privileges.”

Rowling closed her post by asserting her right to respond.

“Emma is rightly free to disagree with me and indeed to discuss her feelings about me in public – but I have the same right, and I’ve finally decided to exercise it.”

I’m seeing quite a bit of comment about this, so I want to make a couple of points.

I’m not owed eternal agreement from any actor who once played a character I created. The idea is as ludicrous as me checking with the boss I had when I was twenty-one for what opinions I should… https://t.co/c0pz19P7jc

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 29, 2025

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