Bel Powley, who is set to appear in HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” TV series, says she “strongly disagrees” with author J.K. Rowling’s views on gender and transgender people. Multiple outlets report that Powley made the remarks in an interview with The Telegraph.
Powley, 34, is cast as Petunia Dursley, Harry’s aunt, in the first season of the adaptation. Several reports frame her comments around what she says transgender people deserve, including safety, dignity and respect. Other outlets describe her stance as rejecting Rowling’s positions related to transgender identity and gender.
While all accounts focus on Powley’s disagreement with Rowling, coverage differs in emphasis: some outlets highlight the trans community aspect directly, others focus on Powley being a cast member speaking out during the show’s lead-up. One outlet also characterizes Rowling’s statements more specifically, while others keep the wording broader around gender views. The common thread is Powley’s public distancing from Rowling ahead of the series’ planned release.
