Eddie Redmayne has become the third star linked to the Harry Potter franchise to distance themselves from comments made by JK Rowling.
The author and screenwriter caused outrage over the weekend with a series of posts on menstruation and gender identity.
The tweets sparked discussions on Rowling’s legacy, as fans discussed how they feel about continuing to enjoy the Harry Potter books, films and various spin-offs in the wake of what many consider to be “anti-trans” rhetoric.
Redmayne, who plays Newt Scamander in the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them franchise, has now voiced his opinions - making it crystal clear he does not agree with Rowling’s standpoint.
In a statement issued to Variety, he said: “Respect for transgender people remains a cultural imperative, and over the years I have been trying to constantly educate myself.
“This is an ongoing process. As someone who has worked with both J.K. Rowling and members of the trans community, I wanted to make it absolutely clear where I stand. I disagree with Jo’s comments.
“Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary identities are valid. I would never want to speak on behalf of the community but I do know that my dear transgender friends and colleagues are tired of this constant questioning of their identities, which all too often results in violence and abuse.
“They simply want to live their lives peacefully, and it’s time to let them do so.”
Redmayne’s other credits include the 2015 hit The Danish Girl, which saw him play Lile Elbe, a real-life artist who in the mid-1920s became one of the first-known recipients of sex assignment surgery.
The actor was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Elbe, while Alicia Vikander won the Best Supporting Actress accolade for playing Elbe’s wife, Gerda Wegener.
His comments come after Daniel Radcliffe and Evanna Lynch also shared their thoughts on Rowling’s tweets.
Radcliffe’s statement on the matter was released via an LGBT+ charity. In it, he said he felt “compelled” to speak out and admitted fearing Rowling's comments could “taint” the Harry Potter series for many fans.
Lynch received a mixed response to her statement, in which she said she disagreed with Rowling, before calling for people to stop online “bullying”.
