Emma Watson recently discussed her complicated relationship with J.K. Rowling, author of Harry Potter.
Watson, who gained fame by playing Hermione Granger in all eight “Harry Potter” films from 2001 to 2011, has distanced himself from Rolling in recent years due to the author’s views on transgender issues.
In 2020, after Rowling posted a series of tweets and 3,600-word essays, and many criticised as transphobic, Watson shared a brief statement expressing his support for the transgender community. “Trans people deserve to live their lives without being constantly being asked, without being told that they are not who they say,” she wrote on social media.
In a recent episode of “On On With Jay Shetty,” the host asked Watson about his thoughts on Rowling’s comments that he would “never allow” the actor for her views.
“I really don’t believe that by having that experience and retaining the love, support and opinions I have, it means I can’t cherish and bear with Joe and the person I’ve had personal experiences,” Watson said. “I never believe that one person will deny the other and deny the experience of that person. I cannot maintain and cherish it. To go back to what was before, I hope that people who don’t think these things are either or disagree with me will love me.
“I think what’s most upsetting me is that conversations have never been possible,” Watson said.
When asked if Shetty was open to the dialogue, Watson replied, “Yeah, I always do that. I believe it. I completely believe it.”
Watson has taken a break to act for seven years and countless times. In an interview with Hollywood Authentic, while missing out on acting, she admitted that “probably the happiest and healthiest (she) is “the healthiest and healthiest ever” for a break.
“The bigger component than the actual work itself is the promotion and sales of that piece. That balance can be thrown away quite a bit,” Watson said. “I’m honest and straight, and say: I never miss out on selling things. I’ve found it to be a very soul-inspired thing. But I’m very missed out on using my skill set.
Check out Watson’s full conversation about the “Deliberate Jay Shetty” podcast below.