Harry Potter Star Paapa Essiedu Declines to Weigh in on J.K. Rowling, Emphasizes Love for the Trans Community

Gayes, if you’re thinking of asking Harry Potter reboot star Paapa Essiedu about J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender people hold that thought.

British actor Paapa Essiedu, who is set to portray Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series, told Vanity Fair he has no interest in fanning Rowling’s transphobic flames.

“I’m not really here to speak about Jo’s politics or to be a mouthpiece for her. I can only be really, really clear about what I believe and be consistent with that.” said Essiedu.

While Essiedu declined to speak on Rowling’s transphobic beliefs he has previously lamented his support for the transgender community.

If you recall, early last year he signed an open letter standing in solidarity with the trans, non-binary, and intersex people who were impacted by a UK Supreme Court ruling that gender can only be defined as “gender is defined by biological sex”.

The letter urged the UK entertainment industry to embrace cultural change and protect trans, non-binary and intersex people from discrimination and harassment across all areas of the industry.

Rowling took to X after Essiedu’s signature on the letter came to light, responding to fans questioning his casting in light of their differing views.

“I don’t have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn’t exercise it if I did,” she wrote. “I don’t believe in taking away people’s jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine.”

With the highly anticipated series set to premiere next month on HBO Max, Essiedu’s Vanity Fair profile offers his latest thoughts on the controversial author’s strained relationship with the transgender community.

“I don’t want to talk about Jo at all.” He continued, “I believe, in my bones, that trans people, queer people, people of all creeds and color have got the right to be treated with respect and dignity and safety at all times—whether they’re in the workplace, whether they’re at home or in the street, whatever. That’s what I believe, and that’s the way that I choose to live my life. That’s the creed by which I live.”

While Essideu may be the most recent star in the Harry Potter universe to be grilled about the authors views, he is not the first to be pressed about it. We previously reported several directors having admitted to turning down directing duties on HBO’s highly anticipated Harry Potter reboot due to its connection with J.K Rowling

Daniel Radcliffe, who originally portrayed the titular character in the original film franchise, spoke out against Rowling’s comments in an essay published by The Trevor Project. In the essay, Radcliffe affirmed his support for the transgender community, writing, “Transgender women are women.” He argued that statements denying this reality undermine the identity and dignity of transgender people and contradicts the guidance of leading professional healthcare organizations.

Watson who appeared alongside Radcliffe in the franchise portraying Hermoine Granger responded with a series of tweets addressing the public and the transgender community Watson said: “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are.”

She continued saying “I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are.”

Lastly Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, also spoke out in support of the transgender community. In a statement to The Sunday Times, he said: “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.”

Before tapping Mark Mylod, Jessica Hobbs, Lucy Forbes, and Benjamin Caron to direct the series, the production saw several filmmakers reportedly withdraw from consideration over Rowling’s past remarks on the transgender community.

Canadian writer-director Ally Pankiw (Black Mirror, Ponies) admitted to declining interest in directing the reboot. Pankiw took to Instagram to post a screenshot of a text-message exchange with her agent where she was asked if she would be interested in taking on directing duties for the upcoming series.

“I have an instinct on the answer but I feel compelled to ask,” the agent wrote. “Harry Potter? Hard no?”

Pankiw responded “Absolutely fucking not! lol… (But thank you for asking).” To which the agent responded “Of course 🙂 … I assumed as much… (And agree).” Pankiw doubled down in the comments, writing: “It simply is this easy to say ‘no’ to funding transphobia.”

While Essideu may want to sidestep questions about J.K. Rowling when the show hits HBO Max this Christmas, their careers will forever be intertwined. The ultimate challenge will be promoting the remainder of the series while navigating the very real controversy that continues to follow its infamous author.