An actress cast in the new Harry Potter audiobook series has been forced to express support for transgender rights after facing a backlash on social media.
Michelle Gomez, who has been cast as Professor McGonagall in the upcoming venture, came under fire for choosing to work on one of the latest ventures based on JK Rowling’s novels.
Social media users criticised the former Doctor Who star amid claims she is taking sides in the gender rights debate in which Rowling has played a pivotal role. The author has received abuse and even death threats for expressing her opinion that sex is immutable.
Gomez, 58, has now issued a statement responding to the criticism she has faced. It reads: “To my LGBTQ+ fans, and especially the trans community. I want to speak directly to the concerns that have been raised about my involvement in this project.
“I hear you, and I understand why this is painful for many. I want to be clear that I stand with trans people, and I support trans rights – fully and without hesitation.
“When I accepted this role, I did so as someone who has always loved the stories and what they meant to so many – especially those who found comfort and identity in that world. I now understand more clearly how deeply complicated and hurtful this association can feel, and I take that seriously.
“Being an ally means listening even when it’s uncomfortable and taking accountability where it’s needed. I’m committed to doing both.”
Rowling’s views have caused Harry Potter stars including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson to turn on her in recent years.
Radcliffe stated in 2020 he was “deeply sorry for all the pain” caused by Rowling’s comments on transgender issues.
Meanwhile, Watson posted on X: “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.”
However, Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the Potter films, said of Rowling: “The only thing I always remind myself is that I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world… and I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter.”
And she’s responsible for that, so I’m incredibly grateful.” The actor was called “spineless” for expressing gratitude to Rowling.
And in June, Sir Stephen Fry, who narrated all seven of the original Harry Potter audiobooks, claimed Rowling has been “radicalised” and is “a lost cause”.
Rowling hailed the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in April that transgender women are not legally women, posting a picture of herself on a yacht enjoying a drink and a cigar in celebration.
Last week, the author called for a boycott of Marks & Spencer after it was claimed that a trans employee asked a 14-year-old girl if she needed any help in the bra section.
Gomez joins Hugh Laurie and Matthew Macfadyen in the new full-cast Audible series based on the Harry Potter novels.
Laurie, star of US medical drama House and the former comedy partner of Sir Stephen Fry, said he was “honoured” to be chosen to portray Dumbledore in Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions.
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