Well, so much for allyship!
News just dropped that Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint are all signing on to produce an HBO Max special celebrating the legacy of the Harry Potter film franchise, to be directed by none other than Chris Columbus. Now in a perfect world, this wouldn’t be a problem. However, since J.K. Rowling is a proud TERF, continuing to platform her means sending money her way, which will most likely end up in the pockets of anti-trans politicians who might just use it to promote anti-trans measures in the UK and abroad. It’s doubly upsetting knowing that Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint previously spoke out against Rowling’s anti-trans rhetoric. Now, in the interest of making a quick buck, they’re all hopping on the nostalgia machine once more. And trans folks, understandably, are not with the shits.
Celebrities are rich first, allies second. https://t.co/exDw9ooHe1
— Mia Moore 🏳️🌈 (@StopTweetingMia) November 16, 2021
It’s not just the three leads either: joining onto the celebratory special are previous cast members like Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, and Imelda Staunton. I’m just glad we didn’t have to see Alan Rickman in the lineup.
Other ‘HP’ alumni joining the tribute: Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Imelda Staunton, Tom Felton, James & Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams, Bonnie Wright, Alfred Enoch, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, & Ian Hart. https://t.co/dLBCcvUVGP pic.twitter.com/xVghcAnXrE
— Variety (@Variety) November 16, 2021
It’s not just upsetting Rowling’s politics keep getting overlooked in favor of her “art,” it’s that all these powerful actors keep signing on for it. When the news hit Variety a few hours ago, trans folks and allies began voicing their disappointment:
So much for their public decrying of Joanne earlier, huh?
Not sure who needs to hear this (besides everyone in this project) but “allyship until personally inconvenient” isn’t, in fact, allyship https://t.co/fm4p08hQSx
— ✨Elle Grenier has burst into Starlight (tv)✨ (@elle_oftheball) November 16, 2021
Money over morals, right?
— Bettina (@cat_lady_b) November 16, 2021
Warner Bros. stop tacitly endorsing transphobia challenge
— 🐈🌈 SHOTS 💉 SHOTS 💉 SHOTS 🌈🦎 (@GDAnnin) November 16, 2021
Remember when they pretended to be trans allies? Good times. Best acting they’ve done x
— 🎄Adult Human Turkey🎄 (@halford_rosie) November 16, 2021
— SLAY-TANIC (@oOPlayHouseOo) November 16, 2021
Seriously, how many times do we have to keep saying it? Supporting J.K. “Joanne” Rowling means putting money in her pocket: money which then goes to anti-trans causes. It’s not harmless. It’s not a simple fandom. It actively translates to violence against our community.
Is JK Rowling involved in this? Does JK Rowling directly profit from this?
— Chris Denton (@severusd) November 16, 2021
Do better. That is all.
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