Keira Knightley responds to JK Rowling controversy: “I was not aware” of trans rights backlash
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Keira Knightley has addressed the backlash surrounding her involvement in the upcoming Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions, revealing she was unaware of the boycott against JK Rowling due to the author’s controversial views on trans rights.
Speaking to Decider, Knightley, who voices Professor Dolores Umbridge in the new Audible adaptation, expressed regret over not knowing the extent of the criticism aimed at Rowling. “I was not aware of that, no. I’m very sorry,” she said. “I think we’re all living in a period of time right now where we’re all going to have to figure out how to live together, aren’t we? And we’ve all got very different opinions. I hope that we can all find respect.”
Rowling has faced sustained criticism since 2020, when she published a lengthy essay and made repeated public statements that many interpreted as transphobic. Her remarks have sparked outrage across the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, with numerous stars from the Harry Potter franchise - including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint - publicly affirming their support for trans rights. Radcliffe notably stated, “Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people.”
The audiobook series, set to launch on 4 November, features a cast including Hugh Laurie, Riz Ahmed, Matthew Macfadyen and Cush Jumbo. It is produced by Audible in collaboration with Rowling’s Pottermore Publishing, which has reignited debate over the ethics of engaging with Rowling’s work while advocating for trans inclusivity.
For many in the pro-trans community, Knightley’s remarks underscore the importance of awareness and accountability. As one activist noted on social media, “It’s not just about respect - it’s about recognising harm and choosing not to contribute to it.”
