Emma Watson has seemingly made a subtle but stinging dig at J.K. Rowling while presenting an award at the 2022 BAFTA Awards.
Emma Watson – who is best known for her role as female witch Hermione Grainger in the Harry Potter movies – was welcomed to the stage by host Rebel Wilson. While introducing Watson, Wilson joked, “Here to present the next award is Emma Watson. She calls herself a feminist, but we all know she’s a witch.”
Watson took to the stand and quickly quipped back, “I’m here for all the witches”. Many have taken the emphasis Watson placed on the word “all” as a dig to Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.
pic.twitter.com/zEk3V4uFAt
It’s the knowing look at the end for me— Eva 🇺🇦🏳️⚧️ (@evabrooke_26) March 14, 2022
Rowling has previously been labelled transphobic after publishing an alarming essay on trans rights in 2020. “I’m concerned about the huge explosion in young women wishing to transition and also about the increasing numbers who seem to be detransitioning (returning to their original sex), because they regret taking steps that have, in some cases, altered their bodies irrevocably, and taken away their fertility,” she wrote at the time.
The author has since posted numerous tweets that have been met with much furore over their transphobic nature.
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Users flocked to Twitter to send our messages of thanks to Watson for supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.
Maybe Emma Watson mouthed “bar one” during her acceptance speech and maybe she didn’t (she absolutely did), but regardless, “I’m here for all the witches” is the best bit for me. A lot of young trans girls are watching that clip this morning and smiling. She’s a lovely soul.
— Charlotte Clymer 🏳️⚧️🇺🇦 (@cmclymer) March 14, 2022
However, some users have criticised Watson for her comments, saying that “feminism isn’t about attacking other women”.
I used to have so much respect for @EmmaWatson.. but feminism is not about attacking other women. Feminism is never about that.
Women should be standing up for one another.
You may have different beliefs but it’s not right to publicly throw shade at them. It’s never OK.
— G Manning #NHSPay15 🇺🇦☮️ (@imgmanning) March 15, 2022
I find it bizarre Emma Watson is perceived to be a feminist when she appeared to insult J K Rowling at the BAFTAs. JK has done more for women (and men) around the world through charitable donations than Emma Watson will ever do. #EmmaWatson #JKRowling #IStandWithJKRowling #BAFTAs
— Amanda Carnac (@Amanda_Carnac) March 15, 2022
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