Oscar award-winning actor Eddie Redmayne has stepped in to defend JK Rowling from critics after she made comments perceived by many as transphobic.
The controversy began when Rowling penned a 4000-word essay, which she shared on social media, stating her belief that trans activism is "pushing to erode the legal definition of sex and replace it with gender", which she claimed is "offering cover to predators."
The actor famously portrayed the character of Newt Scamander in the movie adaptation of Rowling's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them:
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In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Redmayne claimed that, although he disagrees with Rowling on the subject of transgender issues, he was alarmed by the "absolutely disgusting vitriol" hurled at her on social media, which forced him to write her a private note in support.
However, the actor made it clear that he understands the other side of the issue, adding that he has many "trans friends and colleagues" who are "having their human rights challenged around the world and facing discrimination on a daily basis."
Redmayne went on to say:
"Similarly, there continues to be a hideous torrent of abuse towards trans people online and out in the world that is devastating."
However, now Redmayne has come under fire from people on Twitter for speaking out in defense of the author - with many hitting out at the fact he portrayed trans woman Lili Elbe in The Danish Girl:
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One person tweeted: "Well, I guess I don't like like Eddie Redmayne anymore. Agreeing to play a trans character wasn't great in the first place, but defending J.K. Rowling? Someone cares more about his Fantastic Beasts career than the trans friends he claims to have."
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And another added: "So anyway, cis people need to stop playing transgender roles. You don’t get to tell our story wrong, get awards for it, then s**t on us."
Redmayne isn't the only actor from the Harry Potter franchise who has defended Rowling. In a recent interview with the Radio Times, Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane, who portrayed the character of Hagrid in the movie franchise, stated:
"I don't think what she said was offensive really. I don't know why but there's a whole Twitter generation of people who hang around waiting to be offended.
"They wouldn't have won the war, would they? That's me talking like a grumpy old man, but you just think: 'Oh, get over yourself. Wise up, stand up straight and carry on.'"
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However, in a statement made on the LGBT suicide prevention charity The Trevor Project's website, actor Daniel Radcliffe stated:
"Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either [Rowling] or I."
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Meanwhile, actress Emma Watson tweeted:
"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.
"I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are."
The author's views have certainly proven contentious, and it's clear than many fans of her books have struggled to reconcile her views with their own:
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It seems the controversy surrounding the once-beloved author won't be settling down any time soon.