Andrew Garfield says watching ‘Harry Potter’ has become ‘controversial’
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Actor Andrew Garfield has become the latest celebrity to speak out against author JK Rowling, arguing that watching the “Harry Potter” movies is now “controversial.”
Rowling has faced constant criticism for her views on biological sex and has frequently called for transgender women to be excluded from girls’ and women’s sports.
During a radio interview, the actor known for his role as “Spider-Man” did not mention Rowling by name, instead referring to her as “the woman who shall remain nameless” and accusing her of supporting “inhumane” causes.
Garfield said in a Hits Radio interview: Reported by DeadlineHe said he watched the films for the first time recently but was aware that supporting them was problematic.
KEIRA KNIGHTLEY ‘I’M SO SORRY’ JK ROWLING DID NOT KNOW ABOUT BOYCOTT BEFORE JOINING AS THE VOICE OF ‘POTTER’
Andrew Garfield attends the “After the Hunt” Headline Premiere during the 69th BFI London Film Festival at Royal Festival Hall on October 11, 2025 in London, England. (Kate Green/Getty Images for BFI)
“I know it’s controversial. And, you know, we shouldn’t be putting money in the pockets of inhumane laws through him right now, that will remain anonymous,” Garfield said, referring to “Harry Potter” villain Voldemort, known as “He Who Must Not Be Named.”
“But a lot of these movies and children’s themes are very good in spirit and soul,” he added.
Rowling donated to campaign group Scotland For Women, which is legally challenging how the word “woman” is defined by law in the UK. In 2025, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of woman is based on biological sex.
JK ROWLING SLAMS EMMA WATSON AFTER PODCAST COMMENTS, SAYS ‘HE DOESN’T KNOW HOW IGNORANT SHE IS’
The author also recently praised the International Olympic Committee’s decision to ban transgender women from competing in women’s sports.
“Today’s decision by the IOC means a welcome return to fair sport for women and girls, but I will never forget the Paris 2024 scandal, where people who considered themselves deeply virtuous and progressive were openly cheering on men punching women,” he wrote about X.
JK Rowling arrives at the world premiere of “Fantastic Beasts: Dumbledore’s Secret” at Royal Festival Hall on March 29, 2022 in London, England. (Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Garfield isn’t the first celebrity to speak out against Rowling. Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter in the original films, and his co-star Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, condemned Rowling’s views.
Actor John Lithgow considered leaving his role as Dumbledore in the HBO adaptation of the “Harry Potter” books due to backlash over Rowling’s comments, according to The New York Times. Ultimately, he remained in the role and appeared in a new trailer released this week.
