Evanna Lynch says she “completely disagrees” with media coverage of a rift between JK Rowling and the Harry Potter cast. The actress adds that cast members have “huge respect” for the author.

The actress, who played the carefree Luna Lovegood in the series, said everyone on set had “strong convictions” but insisted the author had not been “given the cold shoulder”.

Rowling has become a controversial figure since the film’s release due to her comments on gender identity, drawing criticism from many, including Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe.

Speaking to GB News, Lynch said reconciling the differing views had been “a very difficult conversation” but he hoped there would be a “healing” between the parties.

“I think there are things that we don’t all agree with and that we don’t understand,” she said.

“I’ve spoken to all the cast members, they all have a lot of respect for her, even if they don’t share her views. I don’t agree at all with the narrative that there is a rift.

“She has her beliefs and she does her thing. We all have strong beliefs and it was a very difficult conversation.

“I want healing to happen and I don’t want us to keep fighting. That’s why I reject the narrative that we’ve been given the cold shoulder.”

Rowling recently appeared in a special broadcast to mark the 20th anniversary of the Harry Potter reunion, but only in archive video clips. Lynch, however, also dismissed the idea that this was due to the controversy.

“I think she’s busy writing books. I don’t think she was concerned with the conversations that were taking place about more controversial topics,” she said.

“I think she was busy and was never on set very often. She’s still a big part of it.”