J.K. Rowling Once Again Challenges Pedro Pascal Over Trans Rights

Actor Pedro Pascal has been a vocal supporter of transgender rights, directly conflicting with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling's views.

Pascal shared an in Instagram comment regarding Rowling's behavior:, "Awful disgusting S**T is exactly right. Heinous LOSER behavior." The actor explained to Vanity Fair, via Bleeding Cool News, why he'd done it. "Listen, I want to protect the people I love. But it goes beyond that. Bullies make me f**king sick," he said.

Rowling generally responds to criticism against her with posts on X. She posted a headline from Gayety which read, "Pedro Pascal Shut Down Rowling, Defends Trans Rights, and Reflects on Fame at 50". She then wrote, "Can't say I feel very shut down, but keep at it, Pedro. God loves a trier."

Rowling's views on transgender rights have made her controversial, and some of the original Harry Potter cast have spoken up. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have all denounced her, and, allegedly, she has not associated with them. Incoming cast members of the HBO Harry Potter television series have also shared their thoughts about Rowling's anti-transgender messaging. Nick Frost, who will play Rubeus Hagrid, confirmed that he does not see eye-to-eye with the author. Severus Snape actor Paapa Essiedu additionally took a stand against Rowling's transphobic attitudes. Following a ruling that the UK court did not recognize transgender women as women, he signed a letter that argued in favor of transgender rights.

Pedro Pascal Is An Ally

Pascal is an advocate for transgender rights. He's spoken up multiple times and worn pro-trans t-shirts while out in public. Pascal has been outwardly supportive of his sister, Lux, who is a transgender woman. Recently, Lux told The Hollywood Reporter that she was "incredibly proud" of her brother.

“What makes him so fabulous is that [he] wears all of his humanity on his sleeve, and he doesn’t hide who he is," she said. "And I think that’s refreshing, because usually we move around the world hiding who we are. That’s the main lesson I’ve gotten from him: there’s no reason for me to hide who I am, right? And I think people are seeing that.”

The Last of Us co-star Bella Ramsey has opened up about Pascal continuing to be an LGBTQIA+ ally. Ramsey has praised his allyship and noted they can talk about LGBTQIA topics with him. "He has been so kind and generous and supportive. He’s a real champion of the LGBTQ+ community.” After a highly acclaimed turn as Joel Miller in The Last of Us, Pascal can next be seen as iconic superhero Mr. Fantastic in Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps.