Actor Pedro Pascal is offering solidarity with trans people and activists calling out the divisive, transphobic rhetoric that has cast a shadow over J.K. Rowling’s legacy as an author.
Pascal responded to an Instagram video posted on April 17 by activist Tariq Ra’ouf after Rowling gloated about the U.K. Supreme Court’s ruling that excludes transgender women from the legal definition of “women.”
“This is some serious Voldemort villain shit,” Ra’ouf said, adding that the “Harry Potter” creator appeared to be “reveling in the fact” that she had donated a significant sum to For Women Scotland, the organization that brought the case before the U.K. Supreme Court.
Ra’ouf also called for a boycott of the “Harry Potter” franchise, “Because that shit, that awful disgusting shit, that has consequences.”
In addition to liking Ra’ouf’s video, Pascal agreed in a comment, writing: “Awful disgusting SHIT is exactly right. Heinous LOSER behavior.”
Pascal, whose sister is trans, further demonstrated his support for the community by wearing a “Protect The Dolls” shirt — proceeds for which benefit Trans Lifeline — to the U.K. premiere of the film “Thunderbolts.”
Karwai Tang via Getty Images
Both Pascal and Rowling have series on HBO: Pascal leads in “The Last of Us,” while Rowling’s upcoming “Harry Potter” reboot is set to premiere on the same platform. The two series also share a creative connection through director Mark Mylod, The Hollywood Reporter notes.
Following the U.K. court’s ruling, “Bridgerton” star Nicola Coughlan also spoke out against Rowling.
In a now-expired Instagram Story, she shared an article from The Cut headlined, “This Is A New Low For J.K. Rowling.”
In text on the post, Coughlan wrote, “keep your new Harry Potter lads,” in reference to the upcoming HBO reboot, which Rowling is deeply involved with. The “Bridgerton” actor added that she “wouldn’t touch [the series] with a ten-foot pole.”
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