Lesbian actor Miriam Margolyes has joined the already long list of Harry Potter actors who have denounced author J.K. Rowling's recent transphobic comments.
Margolyes, who portrayed Hogwarts' Herbology instructor Professor Pomona Sprout, spoke out against transphobia in response to Rowling's continued statements. "I know what has happened. She has a rather conservative view of transgender people. I don't think I do," Margolyes told The Times. "It’s a matter of personal happiness for people and I think that’s what you should concentrate on... You can’t be fascist about it. I think it’s confusing.”
Rowling has repeatedly sparked controversy on Twitter with her statements regarding the trans community. Her tweets have been condemned by Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts stars such as Katie Leung and Eddie Redmayne as well as other celebrities like Stephen King. Further, she has faced pushback from the staff of her publisher and Warner Bros., who released the film adaptations of the Harry Potter books.
Margolyes appeared in 2002's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and 2011's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. Most recently, she has been tapped to voice Despair in the upcoming The Sandman audio play.
(via Pink News)