Rupert Grint has revealed what pushed him to speak out against JK Rowling following her controversial comments about trans people last year.
Harry Potter author Rowling came under fire last summer when she tweeted a link to an article and made a comment about trans women and menstruation.
It sparked backlash from the LGBTQ+ community while famous allies came out in support of them.
One of those was Rupert, 32, who released a statement explaining that he stood by his Harry Potter co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson who distanced themselves from Rowling’s remarks.
Now, Rupert reveals that it was after sharing a photo of his baby daughter Wednesday that made him realise how powerful social media can be.
‘I did put a picture of her on Instagram but I’m not on it all the time,’ the actor told The Times in a new interview.
‘Social media can start important conversations but if you put your opinions out there, you can get bombarded.’
Without referencing Rowling directly, he added: ‘I do think it’s still important to stand up for what you believe in, and for people and communities that need our support and love. That’s why I spoke out last year. I wanted to get some kindness out there.’
At the time, Rupert – who played Ron Weasley in the wizarding franchise – said in his statement: ‘I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers.
‘Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment.’
Rowling, 55, was met with huge backlash in June after she commented on a story with the headline: ‘Opinion: Creating a more equal post-Covid-19 world for people who menstruate’.
Criticising the phrasing, she tweeted: ‘”People who menstruate”. I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?
‘If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.’
The author then denied being transphobic and insisted: ‘I respect every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them. I’d march with you if you were discriminated against on the basis of being trans.
‘At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it’s hateful to say so.’
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