Slughorn actor receives huge backlash for sharing support for JK Rowling

Another Harry Potter star has come out in defense of JK Rowling.

Over the past few years, the author has come in for a lot of criticism over her stance on the trans community and their access to female spaces.

Back in 2020, Rowling shared a number of tweets, followed by a long essay, which outlined her stance on the difference between gender and biological sex, and her experience of sexual assault.

Since then, several stars of the Harry Potter series, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, have spoken out against the writer.

Radcliffe 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."

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However, other cast members have backed Rowling against what they deem to be an attempt to 'cancel' her.

Speaking previously, Helena Bonham Carter said it was 'horrendous' and 'a load of b***ocks'.

"I think she has been hounded," the actor said. "It’s been taken to the extreme, the judgmentalism of people. She’s allowed her opinion, particularly if she’s suffered abuse.

"Everybody carries their own history of trauma and forms their opinions from that trauma and you have to respect where people come from and their pain."

And Evanna Lynch, who plays Luna Lovegood in the franchise, also offered her support to Rowling.

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While initially condemning her comments, Lynch said that she felt the situation had gotten out of hand, and she asked for more understanding.

"I just felt that her character has always been to advocate for the most vulnerable members of society," she said.

"The problem is that there’s a disagreement over who’s the most vulnerable. I do wish people would just give her more grace and listen to her."

And now, another actor has come out and shared their feelings on the debate and concerns over how Rowling has been treated.

Jim Broadbent played Professor Slughorn in two Harry Potter films and said it was 'really sad'.

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Speaking to the Telegraph, he said: "I think JK Rowling is amazing. I haven’t had to confront [the backlash] myself, but I would support her in that, I think, if it came to it.”

Expanding on the issue of 'cancel culture' in general, Broadbent said he never imagined such a concept when he started out.

“No, it was the opposite,” he added.

"Not at all.”