Pedro Pascal has strongly criticised JK Rowling following her public celebration of a UK Supreme Court decision that trans women are not legally women.
The Last of Us actor left a pointed comment on Instagram under a post by activist Tariq Ra’ouf, who had urged a boycott of all future Harry Potter projects in response to Rowling’s stance.
Rowling, 59, has become a polarising figure for her stance on gender identity.
Most recently, she praised a UK Supreme Court ruling that stated the term “woman” in the 2010 Equality Act refers only to biological females. The author reportedly helped fund For Women Scotland, the group that brought the case to court.
The ruling means transgender women with a gender recognition certificate can be excluded from single-sex spaces like toilets and changing rooms, a decision that has sparked global protests and prompted stars like Nicola Coughlan to condemn the “disgusting” move.
After the ruling, Rowling outraged many online after she celebrated the ruling aboard her £113 million superyacht, posting a photo smoking a cigar with the caption: “I love it when a plan comes together.”
In his video, Tariq called Rowling’s actions “awful and disgusting” and said: “It has become our mission as the general public to make sure that every single thing that's Harry Potter related fails...because that awful disgusting s**t, that has consequences.”
Pascal not only liked the post but added his own take in the comments: “Awful disgusting S**T is exactly right. Heinous LOSER behavior.”
The comment comes shortly after Pascal showed his continued support for the trans community by wearing a ‘Protect The Dolls’ T-shirt at the Thunderbolts premiere in London on Tuesday.
The Protect The Dolls top was created by American designer Conner Ives, with “dolls” signifying how the the LGBTQIA+ community refers to transgender women.
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The proceeds from the T-shirt are donated to Trans Lifeline, an organisation that supports transgender people, raising over $250,000 so far.
Pascal previously wore the T-shirt during his 50th birthday celebrations on April 6.
The Hollywood star has been outspoken in his support for transgender rights, particularly since his sister Lux came out as transgender in 2021.
Earlier this year, he posted on Instagram: “A world without trans people has never existed and never will,” adding: “I can’t think of anything more vile and small and pathetic than terrorising the smallest, most vulnerable community of people who want nothing from you, except the right to exist.”
Previously, he described Lux as “one of the most powerful people and personalities” he knows, telling Esquire: “My protective side is lethal, but I need her more than she needs me.”
The backlash against Rowling continues to grow, with fans and public figures alike calling out her views and questioning their future support for any upcoming Wizarding World projects.
Just this week, Harry Potter actor Sean Biggerstaff publicly criticised the author, calling her an “obsessed billionaire” and “bigoted” in a series of posts on social media following her celebration of the court ruling.
