Eddie Redmayne responds to JK Rowling comments, calls for ‘respect’ for trans people
The 'Fantastic Beasts' star is the latest member of the 'Harry Potter' franchise to speak out.
By Will Stroude
Eddie Redmayne has become to latest star of the Harry Potter franchise to express support for transgender people following JK Rowling’s latest remarks about transgender rights.
The actor, who stars in Harry Potter film spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, has publicly stated he “disagrees” with Rowling, who on Wednesday published a 4,000 word essay in which she claimed trans rights are doing “demonstrable harm” to cisgender women and “offering cover to predators” in single-sex spaces.
In a statement to Variety, Redmayne, 38, said: “Respect for transgender people remains a cultural imperative, and over the years I have been trying to constantly educate myself. This is an ongoing process.
“As someone who has worked with both JK Rowling and members of the trans community, I wanted to make it absolutely clear where I stand.
“I disagree with Jo’s comments. Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary identities are valid.”
Redmayne, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as trans woman Lili Elbe in 2015’s The Danish Girl, continued: “I would never want to speak on behalf of the community but I do know that my dear transgender friends and colleagues are tired of this constant questioning of their identities, which all too often results in violence and abuse.
“They simply want to live their lives peacefully, and it’s time to let them do so.”
Redmayne’s statement comes after Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson issued their own messages of support for the transgender community in the wake of Rwoling’s comments.