Emma Watson has been praised after appearing to make a "giant dig" at Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling at the BAFTAs.
The actress - who played Hermione Granger in the blockbuster franchise - attended Sunday night's (March 13) star-studded ceremony to present the award for Outstanding British Film.
She was introduced to the stage by host Rebel Wilson - who divided BBC One viewers with her own swipes at the Royal Family and Leonardo DiCaprio - with the Pitch Perfect star saying: "Here to present the next award is Emma Watson. She calls herself a feminist, but we all know she's a witch."
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After striding up to the podium with a smile, the 31-year-old said: "I’m here for all of the witches by the way."
Viewers interpreted the quip as a swipe at Rowling, who has come under fire in recent years after making controversial comments about the transgender community.
Many took to social media to share their support for Watson, saying she had thrown "classy shade" at the author, while others dubbed her "a queen".
One Twitter user said: ""Emma Watson’s 'I’m here for *all* of the witches, by the way' was a giant dig at JK and I love her for it," with another adding, "I love that Emma Watson is here for all the witches".
A third asked: "Was that a jibe by Emma Watson at J.K. Rowling? What a QUEEEEENNN," as another said: "Emma Watson throwing some classy shade there."
"Emma Watson opening with 'I’m here for all the witches…'. She’s here for #TransRights. #TransWomenAreWomen," another tweeted.
However, Watson wasn't the only one taking aim at Rowling at the glittery awards ceremony, with host Wilson also taking a jab at the author when commenting on her recent weight loss.
As a photo of her at the 2020 BAFTAs appeared on the screen behind her, Wilson said: "That was me two years ago and since then I’ve done quite a transformation – I hope J.K. Rowling still approves."
Rowling first came under fire in 2020, when she criticised an article for using the term 'people who menstruate' instead of 'women', tweeting: "People who menstruate. I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?”
Despite receiving a backlash, the author doubled down on her views, saying: “If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth."
Her comments have been criticised by trans activists and Harry Potter fans, with the franchise's biggest stars, including Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, also speaking out against her views.
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