Actress Michelle Gomez has addressed the controversy surrounding her entry into the Harry Potter realm amidst a wave of criticism over her latest role, as production for the HBO series presses on and a stage production with Tom Felton, reports the Daily Record.
The 58 year old Scot, famed for her performances in Doctor Who and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, took to social media to respond to the backlash.
Gomez came under fire from fans after being cast in Pottermore Publishing and Audible's forthcoming audio adaptation of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, with Rowling under scrutiny for her anti-trans views in recent years.
On Wednesday (August 6), the Glasgow-born actress shared her thoughts via Instagram Stories, as reported by Entertainment Weekly: "To my LGBTQ+ fans, and especially the trans community: I want to speak directly to the concerns that have been raised about my involvement in this project."
"I want to speak directly to the concerns that have been raised about my involvement in this project.
"I hear you, and I understand why this is painful for many. I want to be clear that I stand with trans people, and I support trans rights - fully and without hesitation.
"When I accepted this role, I did so as someone who has always loved the stories and what they meant to so many - especially those who found comfort and identity in that world. I now understand more clearly how deeply complicated and hurtful this association can feel, and I take that seriously.
"Being an ally means listening even when it's uncomfortable and taking accountability where it's needed. I'm committed to doing both."
Gomez is set to bring Professor McGonagall to life in the eagerly anticipated audiobooks, with her poignant statement following hot on the heels of the full cast reveal earlier this week.
The Audible production boasts a stellar lineup including Hugh Laurie of House fame as Albus Dumbledore, Succession's Matthew Macfadyen voicing Lord Voldemort, Riz Ahmed from Sound of Metal as Professor Snape, and The Good Wife's Cush Jumbo narrating the magical saga.
Speculation is rife about whether other stars involved will echo Gomez's outspoken stance.
The youthful ensemble features Frankie Treadaway as Harry Potter, Max Lester as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger for the initial trio of books.
Jaxon Knopf, Rhys Mulligan, and Nina Barker-Francis are set to take over as Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the later instalments.
This fresh furore surrounding the Audible series mirrors the backlash faced by HBO's upcoming Harry Potter TV adaptation, stemming from author Rowling's controversial views on transgender issues.
Dominic McLaughlin will step into Harry's shoes, with Alastair Stout as Ron, and Arabella Stanton returning as Hermione for the television venture.
The HBO series showcases a star-studded cast akin to the Audible series, featuring The Crown's John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Hot Fuzz's Nick Frost as Hagrid, I May Destroy You's Paapa Essiedu as Professor Snape, and Ozark's Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall.
Harry Potter veterans Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, along with other members of the film franchise, have publicly disagreed with Rowling's views and expressed their solidarity with the trans community.
Audible and Pottermore Publishing’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone will be released on November 4, with further books to follow each month
