Rupert Grint has said he sees JK Rowling as an "auntie" who he doesn't "necessarily agree with everything" on, as the Harry Potter author continues to receive backlash for her stance on the transgender community.
The actor, who appeared in all eight films in the Harry Potter franchise, is among a number of stars of the series to have spoken out against Rowling following her controversial remarks on trans issues.
Now, in an interview with The Times for the paper's What I've Learnt column on Saturday, January 15, Grint opened up about his current relationship with Rowling.
He said: "I liken JK Rowling to an auntie. I don't necessarily agree with everything my auntie says, but she's still my auntie. It's a tricky one."
In 2020, Rowling sparked outrage after she responded to an article with the trans-inclusive headline: "Creating a more equal post-Covid-19 world for people who menstruate."
Taking issue with the term, "people who menstruate", she wrote on Twitter: "'People who menstruate.' I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?"
In a statement, Grint expressed his support for the trans community in light of Rowling's remarks.
He said: "Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment. I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers."
His Harry Potter co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson also publicly responded.
Radcliffe, who played the franchise's protagonist, said in a statement: "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 Jo or I."
Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the film series, wrote: "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."