Nicola Coughlan Speaks Out Against J.K. Rowling and HBO’s New ‘Harry Potter’ Series
Actress Nicola Coughlan has expressed strong disapproval of J.K. Rowling and the new “Harry Potter” series by HBO. Her comments come after Rowling celebrated a recent U.K. Supreme Court ruling that says the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex.
This ruling has sparked outrage, particularly in the transgender community, because it limits the rights of trans women, including their access to women-only spaces like bathrooms and hospital wards. It could also affect their ability to participate in women’s sports.
Rowling, who has been widely criticized for views considered anti-trans, celebrated the ruling by posting a photo of herself smoking a cigar on social media, with the caption: “I love it when a plan comes together.”
In response to Rowling’s post, Coughlan, who has been an outspoken advocate for trans rights, shared her thoughts on Instagram. She reposted an article from The Cut titled, “This Is a New Low for J.K. Rowling,” and wrote on her Instagram Story: “Keep your new ‘Harry Potter’ lads. Wouldn’t touch it with a 10 foot pole.”
Coughlan’s comment was in reference to the upcoming HBO “Harry Potter” series, which recently revealed its cast, including John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Snape. Even though Rowling’s controversial views are known, she remains involved in the series, including helping to select the creative team, which includes showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod.
HBO has responded to criticism about Rowling’s involvement, stating, “J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
Coughlan didn’t stop at a social media post—she also spoke out in a video, condemning the Supreme Court ruling. She announced that she would match donations to the charity Not a Phase, which supports trans rights, up to £10,000 ($13,200).
In the video, she said, “Like many people, I’m completely horrified by the Supreme Court’s ruling yesterday about trans people. To see an already marginalized community being further attacked and attacked in law is really stomach-churning and disgusting, and to see people celebrate it is more stomach-churning and disgusting.”
Coughlan also encouraged her followers to speak out, saying, “If you are a cisgender person who is an ally of a trans person, I think now is the time to just speak up and make your voice heard, and let your trans, nonbinary friends and just the community at large know that you’re there for them and will keep fighting for them.”
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