The British actor playing Severus Snape in the new HBO “Harry Potter” series says he disagrees with author J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender people.
Paapa Essiedu, 36, has faced questions about why he joined the series, given that Ms. Rowling has been outspoken about her views on trans rights.
“I’m really keen not to make a kind of ’them and us’ dynamic here. I’m not really here to speak about [Rowling’s] politics or to be a mouthpiece for her,” Mr. Essiedu told Vanity Fair on Tuesday.
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“I believe, in my bones, that trans people, queer people, people of all creeds and color have got the right to be treated with respect and dignity and safety at all times — whether they’re in the workplace, whether they’re at home or in the street, whatever,” he continued. “That’s what I believe, and that’s the way that I choose to live my life. That’s the creed by which I live.”
In recent years, Ms. Rowling has come under fire by some for saying she rejects “gender identity ideology” and has opposed legislation that would let trans people self-identify legally as their preferred gender. She has consistently denied that her views are “transphobic.”
She has also heard cheers from conservatives for rejecting the idea of male-born athletes playing female sports.
Actor John Lithgow, who plays Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the series, said in March that he considered leaving the show once he learned more about Ms. Rowling’s views. He also said he has not met the author.
“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” premieres on HBO on Christmas Day.
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