Emma Watson once again spoke on her thoughts on Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling and their differing opinions on transgender issues in a recent interview. However, her comments, which saw her state that she “loves and cherishes” the author, has sparked a response from Rowling, who hit back at the comments made by the actress over the last few years.

In the statement released on X, Rowling shared a video in which Emma’s comments were being discussed and declared she’s not “owed eternal agreement” from anybody who played a character she created.

However, she fumed that Emma and Dan [Radcliffe] in particular “made it clear over the last few years that they think our former professional association gives them a particular right - nay, obligation - to critique me and my views in public”.

She stated that she’s found it difficult to shake a “protectiveness” of the pair, declining invitations to discuss Emma, particularly on the Witch Trials of JK Rowling. Rowling said she didn’t want Emma to be hounded, which she now has described as “ironic”.

Rowling has now hit a turning point, after reviewing highlights of Emma’s speech at the 2022 BAFTAs where she said “I’m here for all of the witches”, before mouthing “but one”, which was widely assumed to be a snide comment about Rowling. J.K. [Joanne] revealed that afterwards somebody had asked her to pass on a handwritten note which read: “I’m so sorry for what you’re going through”, when she was getting death, rape and torture threats. Emma had her phone number at the time, she said.

She fumed how Emma had publicly poured more petrol on the flames and Rowling’s personal security measures had to be tightened, adding: “Yet [she] thought a one line expression of concern from her would reassure me of her fundamental sympathy and kindness.”

The author wrote: “Like other people who’ve never experienced adult life uncushioned by wealth and fame, Emma has so little experience of real life she’s ignorant of how ignorant she is. She’ll never need a homeless shelter. She’s never going to be placed on a mixed sex public hospital ward. I’d be astounded if she’s been in a high street changing room since childhood.

"I wasn’t a millionaire at fourteen. I lived in poverty while writing the book that made Emma famous. I therefore understand from my own life experience what the trashing of women’s rights in which Emma has so enthusiastically participated means to women and girls without her privileges.”

JK has stayed silent on the topic for years, but stated the reason she’s finally spoken out on Emma is because of her recent declaration that she “loves and treasures” her, adding: “A change of tack, I suspect she’s adopted because she’s noticed full-throated condemnation of me is no longer quite as fashionable as it was.”

Their fallout originally stemmed from J.K Rowling’s controversial essay in 2020 about transgender issues, which saw Emma, among other Harry Potter stars, distance themselves from the author after Rowling was accused of being transphobic, which she denied, stating she was worried about the effect on women in single-sex areas.

The author believed that Emma continued to pour fuel on the fire at the time of her comments on gender identity, and has previously said she would “never forgive” the actress.

Last week, Emma said she “loves” Rowling and is grateful to her, adding that she still treasures Rowling, but said: “I think the thing I’m most upset about is that a conversation was never made possible.”