Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them star Eddie Redmayne has come under fire for criticizing the “nastiness” toward Harry Potter author JK Rowling over her comments on the transgender issue.
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On 24 SeptemberthRedmayne spoke to British newspaper The Daily Mail to promote his upcoming film The Trial Of The Chicago 7, a dramatic retelling of the real-life trial of eight anti-Vietnam protesters accused of conspiracy and sedition during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Related: Daily Dot social media editor Anna Maria asks why Harry Potter creator JK Rowling ‘hasn’t been jumped yet’ and wishes she’d get punched in the face
Since the film is about protests and standing up for one’s beliefs, the discussion inevitably turned to Rowling and her vocal defense of biological sex.
Redmayne stated that while he strongly disagreed with Rowling’s statements, he found the amount of “venom” directed at her “absolutely disgusting” and that in light of these attacks, he had written Rowling a private message expressing his support.
Related: WB Games clarifies JK Rowling’s role in upcoming Hogwarts Legacy RPG
He noted that this was “as disgusting” as the abuse directed at transsexuals.
“Similarly, there continues to be a terrible flood of abuse against transgender people online and in the world, which is devastating,” he concluded.
Related: JK Rowling criticized for portraying a “transvestite serial killer” in her latest book
Despite having made it clear that he did not agree with Rowling’s views, Redmayne was soon attacked and accused of transphobia by online activists who objected to his defense of Rowling, particularly in the wake of his portrayal of a trans woman in The Danish Girl.
“Who would have thought that the talentless opportunist who jumped at the chance to play ‘trans’ as Oscar bait would be so woefully clueless?” wrote Pajiba and Syfy FanGrrls author Kayleigh Donaldson.
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Related: Australian bookstore removes JK Rowling’s novels – including Harry Potter – to create ‘a safer place’
Journalist Alim Kheraj claimed that “Eddie Redmayne should be ashamed” for failing to “speak out against the harm Rowling (sic) inflicts on transgender people every day”, calling the actor “a little man with no spine”.
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Related: JK Rowling returns Robert F. Kennedy Humanitarian Award after organization’s president criticised author’s stance on transgender issues
“Well, I guess I don’t like Eddie Redmayne anymore,” wrote Zack Ford, spokesman for the Alliance For Justice. “Agreeing to play a trans character wasn’t great in the first place, but defending JK Rowling? Someone is more interested in his career on Fantastic Beasts than the trans friends he claims to have.”
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Related: Harry Potter author JK Rowling warns society is ‘on the verge of a medical scandal’ over youth transgenderism
“What about the hatred SHE causes?” asks writer Vaneet Mehta.
“She is not hated,” he argued. “She hates a minority group and is condemned by the public for it – and rightly so!”
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See also: Harry Potter author JK Rowling: “If sex is not real, the lived reality of women worldwide will be erased”
Earlier this year, Redmayne publicly criticised Rowing for a tweet mocking the growing antipathy towards the use of the term “woman”, stating: “I disagree with Jo’s comments. Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary identities are valid.”
“I would never want to speak on behalf of the community, but I know my dear transgender friends and colleagues are tired of having their identities constantly questioned, which all too often leads to violence and abuse,” Redmayne explained. “They just want to live in peace, and it’s time we gave them that opportunity.”
Related: GLAAD campaigns to delist Harry Potter author JK Rowling for defending biological sex
Redmayne is currently filming the third film in the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them series, which is scheduled to be released on November 21, 2021.
Do you agree with Redmayne’s defense of Rowling? Let us know your thoughts on social media or in the comments below!
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