J.K. Rowling has fired back at Emma Watson after the actress recently spoke about the state of their relationship amid a long-running public dispute over gender identity issues.

Last week Watson said she continues to care for Rowling and would not "cancel" her, despite disagreeing with the author on questions around trans rights. She praised Rowling for the encouragement she received as a young actor and said she was trying to hold two truths — affection for Rowling and disagreement with her views — at once.

Rowling responded on Monday with a sharp post on X, suggesting her feelings toward the woman who once played Hermione had soured. She accused Watson of having little experience of ordinary adult life because of her wealth and fame, and implied that this made Watson unaware of her own ignorance.

Watson, now 35, played Hermione Granger across the Harry Potter films from 2001 to 2011. In 2020 several alumni of the franchise, including Watson and Daniel Radcliffe, publicly distanced themselves from Rowling after the author criticised aspects of trans activism and argued that the concept of biological sex was being undermined. Rowling has denied being transphobic and says her concern is about the impact on single-sex spaces.

Rowling said she had long felt protective toward someone she had known since childhood, recalling how young cast members once needed guidance on set. But she identified a turning point in 2022 at the BAFTAs, when Watson was introduced by Rebel Wilson with a joke about witches and replied she was "here for all of the witches" — wording many interpreted as a show of support for transgender people. Rowling says the moment was compounded because Watson then sent a single-line message — "i'm so sorry for what you're going through" — rather than making a more substantive, private gesture, at a time when Rowling says she was receiving severe threats and had tightened her security.

The author wrote that, from her perspective, Watson had publicly amplified the controversy and then offered a brief note of sympathy that felt insufficient. She also suggested Watson was unlikely to rely on the kinds of single-sex spaces that are central to the debate, and contrasted her own upbringing in relative poverty with Watson's privileged background, saying that shaped how they see the consequences for women and girls without similar advantages.

Rowling accused Watson of shifting tone recently only because strong denunciations of Rowling have become less fashionable, and argued that someone who aligns with activist movements that sometimes call for extreme actions cannot reasonably expect to be treated with unconditional affection by the person targeted. She made clear Watson was entitled to her views, but that Rowling herself would speak out in return.

Watson previously reiterated in 2020: "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." In her latest interview she reiterated gratitude for Rowling's past support and described trying to reconcile admiration for the author with fundamental disagreement over gender rights — hoping the two perspectives might one day be reconciled or at least tolerated together.

BBC News has approached Watson’s representatives for comment.

What are the Harry Potter Movies about and Where to Watch

What are the Harry Potter Movies about and Where to Watch? The films chronicle the extraordinary adventures of Harry Potter, a young wizard discovering his heritage and confronting the dark wizard Voldemort while attending the magical Hogwarts School. For those wondering where to watch harry potter, the series is widely available through major streaming services such as HBO Max and Peacock, or for digital rental/purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.

Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?

If you want to access region-restricted content such as Harry Potter movies, you may want to consider the SafeShell VPN. It delivers a balanced mix of fast connections, flexible device options and strong privacy so you can stream with confidence: 1. High-performance servers tuned for streaming — engineered to minimize latency and maximize throughput so HD playback stays smooth with far less buffering. 2. Multi-device coverage — one subscription supports up to five simultaneous connections across major platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV and Android TV, letting you watch on whatever screen you prefer. 3. App Mode for multi-region access — switch or run regional app profiles to reach different Netflix libraries at once without complicated setup. 4. Consistently fast throughput — optimized routing and modern networking reduce throttling and preserve bandwidth for downloads and streaming. 5. Robust privacy safeguards — the proprietary ShellGuard protocol combined with strong encryption and privacy controls keeps your traffic secure and harder to detect. 6. Risk-free trial option — a flexible free trial lets you verify speeds, compatibility and access before committing to a plan.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Harry Potter with SafeShell VPN

Streaming Harry Potter movies has never been easier with SafeShell VPN, your magical gateway to accessing region-restricted content. Begin your wizarding journey by visiting the SafeShell VPN website, where you can select a subscription plan that matches your budget and streaming needs. After completing your subscription, download the appropriate application for your device—whether you're using Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android—and install it following the on-screen instructions.

Once installation is complete, launch the SafeShell VPN application and log into your account. For the optimal Harry Potter streaming experience, select APP mode which is specifically designed to enhance your viewing pleasure. Next, browse through the available server locations and connect to a region where Harry Potter movies are available in your preferred streaming service's library. The US, UK, or Canada servers are typically excellent choices for accessing a wide range of Potter content.

With SafeShell VPN now running and connected to your chosen server, open your streaming platform and search for Harry Potter movies or series. You'll notice that the content library has transformed to reflect what's available in your selected region. Now you can immerse yourself in the magical world of Hogwarts without any geographical restrictions, enjoying all eight Harry Potter films or related content like Fantastic Beasts. SafeShell VPN ensures your streaming remains private and secure while delivering high-speed connections perfect for HD viewing of your favorite wizarding adventures.