Dumbledore actor John Lithgow’s remarks about JK Rowling's anti-trans views aren’t going down well

John Lithgow, who is taking on the role of Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, has called out JK Rowling's transgender views.

But not everybody is impressed with the actor's comments.

Over the last few years, Rowling has drawn a huge amount of backlash after she made for her views on transgender people and their rights.

One example includes a tweet she wrote in 2020 in response to an opinion piece about 'people who menstruate', Rowling said: "'People who menstruate'. I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?", seemingly dismissing the existence of trans people whose biological body do not align with their gender.

Following her numerous anti-trans outbursts, several Harry Potter actors have called out the author, specifically titular actor Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson.

Lithgow shared his thoughts at the Rotterdam Film Festival (Mat Hayward/Getty Images for IMDb)

Now, Lithgow has addressed the criticism he has received since taking on the role of Dumbledore.

Speaking at the Rotterdam Film Festival, as per Variety, he said: “I take the subject extremely seriously. She has created this amazing canon for young people and it has jumped into the consciousness of the society. It’s about good versus evil, kindness versus cruelty. I find her views ironic and inexplicable. I’ve never met her, she’s not really involved in this production at all. But the people who are, are remarkable."

There's a new Harry Potter TV series in the works (Warner Bros.)

Lithgow explained he was 'unhappy' when people suggested he turn down the job, adding: "It upsets me when people are opposed to me having anything to do with this. But in Potter canon you see no trace of transphobic sensitivity. She’s written this mediation of kindness and acceptance. And Dumbledore is a beautiful role.

"It was a hard decision. It made me uncomfortable and unhappy that people insisted I walk away from the job. I chose not to do that.”

Some people were critical of Lithgow's comments, with one writing on X: "Pay check was too good for his 'principles' to get in the way."

While another said: "So in other words, you think her views are despicable but the check is too big for you to care."

Lithgow spoke about Rowling's transgender views (Mike Marsland / Contributor / via Getty)

Others praised Lithgow however, with one adding: "Good for him. Working with someone is not necessarily an endorsement of their views on every subject."

Tyla has reached out to Lithgow for comment.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the LGBT Foundation on 0345 3 30 30 30, 10am–6pm Monday to Friday, or email [email protected].