Emma Watson has spoken up about her complicated relationship with ‘Harry Potter’ author J.K. Rowling.Watson, who rose to fame, playing the character Hermione Granger from Rowling’s novel, distanced herself from Rowling due to the author’s views on transgender issues. While admitting that the rift has been painful, she insisted that she still holds gratitude and affection for the writer.
Watson on her relationship with Rowling
Watson, in a heartfelt message, said, “I really don’t believe that by having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, means that I can’t and don’t treasure Jo and the person that I had personal experiences with,” she said. “I will never believe that one negates the other.” The actress, who in 2020 publicly voiced support for the transgender community following Rowling’s widely criticised tweets and essay, added, “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 revealed that what troubles her the most, is the lack of dialogue. She added, “I think the thing I’m most upset about is that a conversation was never made possible.”
On cancelling Rowling
However, she admitted, “There’s no world in which I could ever cancel her out.”She expressed her hope to appreciate the author and everything she did for her, while not agreeing with her views. She said, “I can love her, I can know she loved me, I can be grateful to her. I can know that the things she said are true and there can be this whole other thing.”Confirming she remains open to reconciliation, “Yeah, and I always will. I believe in that completely.”Watson has been on a seven-year acting hiatus but continues to use her platform to advocate for social causes.
