‘A list of references’: JK Rowling attacks Chris Columbus; he said her views complicate reunion

JK Rowling, Chris Columbus (AP file photos)

JK Rowling has responded after filmmaker Chris Columbus said a Harry Potter reunion may never happen because of Rowling’s views on gender and trans rights.Taking to social media, Rowling posted a lengthy note, pushing back against criticism from actors and colleagues who have distanced themselves from her. In her post, Rowling listed her positions on issues arguing that her stance is about protecting women’s rights, freedom of speech, and safeguarding vulnerable groups. “As another man who once worked with me declares himself saddened by my beliefs… I thought it might be useful to compile a list for handy reference,” she wrote. Rowling’s list included defending women-only bathrooms, rape crisis centres, and prisons; keeping men out of women’s sport; and protecting sex-based language in law and medicine. She also opposed placing minors on irreversible medical treatments, argued that free speech must be protected, and criticised what she called the political left’s embrace of “gender ideology.”Columbus, who directed the first two Harry Potter films, had earlier told The Times that a reunion of the original cast was unlikely. He said disagreements between Rowling and stars like Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson over trans rights had made things “complicated.” Radcliffe and Watson have both publicly voiced support for the trans community in recent years. Radcliffe apologised to fans in 2020, while Watson posted messages affirming trans rights and hinted at her stance during the 2022 BAFTA Awards, saying to the crowd, “I’m here for all the witches.” Despite the fallout, Rowling has stayed firm on her views, saying she would not apologise.