Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has been embroiled in controversy these last few years. Many of the author's critics have lambasted her for her stance on LGBT issues, particularly trans rights. Even some of the actors in the series have publicly disagreed with her, and now, Harry Melling, who portrayed Dudley Dursley, is also speaking out.
The Harry Potter franchise was in its heyday in the 2000s and is now a nostalgic topic despite the changing times. With the conversation on LGBT rights continuing to rage on, Rowling has become an increasingly controversial figure for her stance on trans people, especially trans women. Numerous Harry Potter actors have weighed in on Rowling's controversies. Some have chosen to side with the author, while others have been more critical.
In a new interview with the Independent, Melling was asked about his stance on the issue. “I can only speak for myself, and what I feel, to me, is very simple, which is that transgender women are women and transgender men are men," Melling said. "Every single person has the right to choose who they are and to identify themselves as what’s true to themselves. I don’t want to join the debate of pointing fingers and saying, ‘That’s right, that’s wrong,’ because I don’t think I’m the correct spokesperson for that. But I do believe that everybody has the right to choose.”
Melling's sentiments echo Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe's comments against Rowling. Radcliffe identifies as an LGBT rights activist and has championed these causes previously. Meanwhile, other actors and actresses from the Harry Potter cast have taken varying positions, including Miriam Margolyes, who expressed sympathy for the author.
It seems there's something of a schism in the Harry Potter cast. Rumors of a feud between Emma Watson and Rowling have swirled in the last few years. Watson, a human rights activist, has not publicly commented on Rowling's views but has affirmed her support for trans rights in the wake of some of Rowling's comments.
Rumors of a Harry Potter reboot being in the works at Warner Bros. have also been circulating recently, and the initial rumors surrounding the alleged reboot suggest that Warner Bros. is thinking of recasting certain actors and actresses. It's unknown if these two topics are connected, but it is possible. The Harry Potter series has also been facing increased scrutiny since Rowling's controversies began, which could complicate the situation further.
The Harry Potter films are on HBO Max.
Source: The Independent