Ralph Fiennes Defends JK Rowling from ‘Disgusting, Appalling’ ‘Verbal Abuse’

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Ralph Fiennes, who played Professor Snape in the Harry Potter films, has spoken out in defense of author J.K. Rowling, claiming that the “verbal abuse” she has experienced on social media is “appalling.”

An veteran of the Harry Potter franchise, Ralph Fiennes, supported Harry Potter’s author J.K. Rowling against verbal abuse when the author made public statements that were anti-transgender.

In an interview with the New York Times, Fiennes stated that despite the fact that he understands the animosity that certain fans have toward Rowling, he believes that the contempt that is directed on her is unjustified. “J.K. Rowling has written these great books about empowerment, about young children realizing themselves as human beings,” Fiennes remarked. “J.K. Rowling has written these fantastic books about empowerment.” “It’s about how you may improve as a person and become stronger while also becoming more morally focused. It is horrible and appalling that she is being subjected to verbal abuse in this way.”

The acclaimed actor went on to say that he understands some of Rowling’s statements. “I mean, I can understand someone being upset about what she says about women,” he continued. “But it’s not some heinous, ultra-right-wing fascist. It’s just a woman saying, ‘I’m a woman, I feel like a woman, and I want to be able to say so.’ And I understand her point of view. Despite the fact that I am not a woman.”

Rowling has been embroiled in an ongoing controversy since she began expressing anti-transgender sentiments on her social media platform. Many fans have condemned the Harry Potter creator, who has only strengthened her position in recent years, even writing a 2020 essay defending her previous statements. Following Rowling’s current reputation, many actors who starred in the Harry Potter films, including Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, have expressed their displeasure with the author and distanced themselves from her.

Fiennes isn’t the only Harry Potter star who has spoken out in support of Rowling. Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the films, stated in early 2022 that he has yet to pass judgment on the creator and is withholding his opinion until he has had the opportunity to discuss Rowling’s views with her personally. “So, despite the fact that she has said some very controversial things, I was not going to jump to stab her in the front — or back — without first having a conversation with her, which I have yet to have.”

Mads Mikkelsen, who played Gellert Grindelwald in the Harry Potter spinoff Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, also refused to condemn Rowling. “I have a habit of not commenting on things about which I know nothing, and I actually think that would suit the entire world,” Mikkelsen said. Despite this, the actor believes that the solution to the controversy is to eliminate “hateful rhetoric towards either women or trans [people] — that’s a good start.”

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