People reckon Emma Watson may have taken a shot at Harry Potter author JK Rowling – who has regularly come under fire for her comments about the transgender community – at last night’s (13 March) BAFTA ceremony, having made a quip about equality before presenting an award. Watch the clip here:
Rowling has previously been criticised for her controversial comments on transgender issues, having even been publicly condemned by Emma Watson, who featured in the Potter films as Hermione Granger.
Many fans now think Watson threw some ‘subtle shade’ at the novelist at yesterday’s BAFTAs, after the actor and activist made a brief comment before presenting the Outstanding British Film award.
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Host Rebel Wilson introduced Watson to the stage, saying: “Here to present the next award is Emma Watson. She calls herself a feminist, but we all know she’s a witch.”
After walking up to the podium on stage, Watson then joked: “I’m here for all of the witches!”
She also mouthed to the audience: “Okay?!”
Some people in the crowd laughed, while others whooped and cheered Watson.
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Over on Twitter, many people shared the footage with the hashtag #JKDoesntSpeakForMe.
Posting the clip on Twitter, one person wrote: “Emma Watson destroying JK #baftas.”
They added: “I say ‘destroying’ but she really is just showing support for trans women. However I doubt she'd feel the need to say it if not for Rowling's vocal opinions on the subject.”
Another said: “Live for Emma Watson throwing subtle shade at JK Rowling at the #BAFTAs #LGBWithTheT #JKDoesntSpeakForMe.”
A third added: “Was that a jibe by Emma Watson at JK Rowling? what a QUEEEEENNN.”
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Earlier in the ceremony, Wilson made a dig at Rowling as she addressed her own weight loss 'transformation', admitting she's 'looking different' these days.
The comedian then said: “I hope JK Rowling still approves.”
Rowling has been widely criticised by fans and former Potter stars alike for her comments on the transgender community, including a series of tweets made in June 2020, in reaction to opinion piece about 'people who menstruate'.
She said: "If sex isn't real, there's no same-sex attraction. If sex isn't real, the lived reality of women globally is erased.
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"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 idea that women like me, who've been empathetic to trans people for decades, feeling kinship because they're vulnerable in the same way as women - ie, to male violence - 'hate' trans people because they think sex is real and has lived consequences - is a nonsense.
"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."
Topics: Celebrity, Emma Watson, JK Rowling, TV and Film, BAFTAs
Jess Hardiman