Eddie Redmayne has become the latest star to hit out at JK Rowling over her comments surrounding transgender people.
The Fantastic Beast And Where To Find Them star, 38, joined in the chorus of critics towards the author, 54, after she tweeted about an article entitled ‘Creating a more equal post COVID-19 world for people who menstruate’ on Friday.
Rowling wrote: ”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 released to Variety, Eddie responded: ‘As someone who has worked with both J.K. 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.’
Shocking: Eddie Redmayne has become the latest star to hit out at JK Rowling over her comments surrounding transgender people (the duo pictured together in December)
Rowling has caused a storm in the trans community and among her peers and fan base, as she was accused of transphobia with the comments.
Eddie has worked with Rowling since 2016, after starring as Newt Scamander in the Fantastic Beasts series, which is based on the 2001 book by Rowling.
In 2015, Eddie starred in biographical drama The Danish Girl as Elbe – one of the first known recipients of sex reassignment surgery
His entire statement read: ‘Respect for transgender people remains a cultural imperative, and over the years I have been trying to constantly educate myself…
Taking a stand: He has made a statement about Rowling, after she tweeted about an article entitled ‘Creating a more equal post COVID-19 world for people who menstruate’
Fantastic times: Eddie has worked with Rowling since 2016, after starring as Newt Scamander in the Fantastic Beasts series, which is based on the 2001 book by Rowling
‘This is an ongoing process. As someone who has worked with both J.K. 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. 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.’
Earlier in the week, Daniel Radcliffe, another actor associated with Rowling, felt compelled to make a statement about the acclaimed novelist after her comments.
Starring role: In 2015, Eddie starred in biographical drama The Danish Girl as Elbe – one of the first known recipients of sex reassignment surgery
Discussing: JK Rowling went on an extraordinary rant on Twitter last week
In his own response, the Harry Potter star said: ‘To all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished, I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you’.
Radcliffe wrote: ‘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’.
He continued: ‘I realize that certain press outlets will probably want to paint this as in-fighting between JK Rowling and myself, but that is really not what this is about, nor is it what’s important right now.
‘While Jo is unquestionably responsible for the course my life has taken, as someone who has been honored to work with and continues to contribute to The Trevor Project for the last decade, and just as a human being, I feel compelled to say something at this moment.’
Radcliffe, 30, released his statement via The Trevor Project on Monday.
Taking a stand: Earlier in the week, Daniel Radcliffe, another actor associated with Rowling, felt compelled to make a statement about the acclaimed novelist after her comments
The Trevor Project is an American non-profit organization founded in 1998 focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth.
‘According to The Trevor Project, 78% of transgender and nonbinary youth reported being the subject of discrimination due to their gender identity…
‘It’s clear that we need to do more to support transgender and nonbinary people, not invalidate their identities, and not cause further harm,’ Radcliffe said.
He went on to share resources for trans allies, as he admitted: ‘I am still learning how to be a better ally.’
The Trevor Project is an American non-profit organization founded in 1998 focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth.
Radcliffe also reached out to loyal Harry Potter fans: ‘If these books taught you that love is the strongest force in the universe, capable of overcoming anything…
‘If they taught you that strength is found in diversity, and that dogmatic ideas of pureness lead to the oppression of vulnerable groups…
‘If you believe that a particular character is trans, nonbinary, or gender fluid, or that they are gay or bisexual; if you found anything in these stories that resonated with you and helped you at any time in your life — then that is between you and the book that you read, and it is sacred.
‘And in my opinion nobody can touch that. It means to you what it means to you and I hope that these comments will not taint that too much.’
Not important: He wrote: ‘I realize that certain press outlets will probably want to paint this as in-fighting between JK Rowling and myself, but that is really not what this is about, nor is it what’s important right now’ (pictured in July, 2011)
He starred as the titular wizard in all eight of the Harry Potter movies, originating the role at the age of 11 in 2000’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
The British writer followed up in a thread: ‘If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased.
‘I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.’
She continued: ‘The idea that women like me, who’ve been empathetic to trans people for decades, feeling kinship because they’re vulnerable in the same way as women – ie, to male violence – ‘hate’ trans people because they think sex is real and has lived consequences – is a nonsense.
Hogwarts alum: He starred as the titular wizard in all eight of the Harry Potter movies, originating the role at the age of 11 in 2000’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
‘I respect every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them.
‘I’d march with you if you were discriminated against on the basis of being trans. At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it’s hateful to say so.’
In December, Rowling discussed the trans community, in a move which earned her the label of trans-exclusionary radical feminist (TERF).
Her most recent comments were met with backlash from many fans and followers, as well as some notable names like Jameela Jamil, Sarah Paulson, Jonathan Van Ness and more.
Another Harry Potter star to make her thoughts known was Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood in the series.
She shared a vast statement on Twitter, in which she lamented the forum being used for such serious issues but also reached out in solidarity.
Part of her statement read: ”I think it’s irresponsible to discuss such a delicate topic over Twitter through fragmented thoughts and I wish Jo wouldn’t…
‘That said, as a friend and admirer of Jo I can’t forget what a generous and loving person she is…she is still fighting for vulnerable people…
‘I disagree with her opinion that cis-women are the most vulnerable minority in this situation and I think she’s on the wrong side of this debate. But that doesn’t mean she has completely lost her humanity.’
Adding in: Another Harry Potter star to make her thoughts known was Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood in the series
Jameela Jamil challenged her to put her money where her mouth is, tweeting her a GoFundMe link for homeless Black trans women in Atlanta.
She wrote: ‘Hey JK as you claim to support trans rights and this is a historical moment where we are globally discussing the impact of white supremacy on Black People, please share some of your $650million mega wealth with this charity.’
Sarah Paulson wrote, ‘Word. Goodnight and shut up @jk_rowling’ while retweeting creative producer Ben O’Keefe.
He wrote: ‘This woman is complete scum. Shut the f*** up you transphobic f***. You don’t know or love any trans people if you won’t even acknowledge their existence…
‘Thanks for ruining the books of my childhood. Just stop talking. We know you’re a TERF. You don’t need to keep doing this.’
Van Ness, who identifies as non-binary, responded to the author: ‘Trans women are women. Trans Black people & trans non-Black people are discriminated against every single day. They’re dying. We’re fighting for Black people & trans people and you’re doing this?’
Tegan and Sara issued an ultimatum to their followers: ‘If you are a TERF and following us, please f*** off and unfollow us.’
Mara Wilson called Rowling out further: ‘How did she manage to have a victim complex about all of this?’
Anthony Rapp used the opportunity to promote GLAAD and some organizations that support Black trans people.
He wrote: ‘Amplifying this. Amazing and horrifying that a hugely powerful, super rich white lady chose to double- and triple- and quadruple-punch down on the #Trans community.’
Mary Lambert responded to Rowling: ‘What the actual fuck??? This is so disgraceful, @jk_rowling. Of all the hills to die on, and for what reason? Trans women are women and they are fighting for their lives. When you push this trans exclusionary agenda, you make their lives infinitely more difficult. Shame on you.’
A representative for Rowling declined to comment when approached by DailyMail.com.
This is not the first time she has come under fire over the topic, liking a 2018 tweet that referred to transgender women as ‘men in dresses.’
At the time, a spokesperson told The Sun that Rowling’s like was a ‘clumsy and middle-aged moment.’
She previously confirmed suspicions of her transphobic views back in December, while showing support for Maya Forstater, who lost a court case against her former employers after they fired her over transphobic comments.
Rowling tweeted: ‘Dress however you please. Call yourself whatever you like. Sleep with any consenting adult who’ll have you…
![Re-think: Elsewhere, Jonathan Ross backtracked on his comments about J.K. Rowling, after he defended the Harry Potter novelist's remarks about transgender people [pictured in 2015]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/06/10/15/29380788-0-Re_think_Elsewhere_Jonathan_Ross_backtracked_on_his_comments_abo-a-5_1591800544131.jpg)
Re-think: Elsewhere, Jonathan Ross backtracked on his comments about J.K. Rowling, after he defended the Harry Potter novelist’s remarks about transgender people [pictured in 2015]
‘Live your best life in peace and security. But force women out of their jobs for stating that sex is real? #IStandWithMaya #ThisIsNotADrill’.
Elsewhere, Jonathan Ross backtracked on his comments about J.K. Rowling, after he defended the Harry Potter novelist’s remarks about transgender people.
The chat show host, 59, took to Twitter on Monday evening to admit that his 23-year-old daughter Honey had helped him see things from a different view.
This comes after Honey slammed Rowling for her comments about the use of the word woman, despite her famous father defending the author.