Nicola Coughlan Slams JK Rowling for Backing Transphobic Supreme Court Ruling Tells Her to Keep New Harry Potter Series

Nicola Coughlan, best known for her role in Bridgerton, has ignited a fierce public controversy with her latest Instagram post that harshly criticizes renowned author JK Rowling.

The dispute began when Rowling voiced her support for a recent UK Supreme Court ruling, which declared that transgender women are not legally considered women.

This decision has been widely condemned by LGBTQ+ advocates, and Coughlan, who has publicly championed transgender rights, was quick to react. On April 18th, Coughlan took to Instagram Stories to accuse Rowling of undermining the transgender community, making her position clear with a stark message: “Keep your new Harry Potter boys to yourselves.”

This comment was directed at the upcoming Harry Potter HBO series, which is set to adapt each of the seven books into its own season. Coughlan’s remark implied that she would not support the series given Rowling’s stance on transgender issues.

The actress stated that she would "not touch [the series]" as long as Rowling, whose involvement in the show includes executive producer and casting decisions, was associated with it.

The controversy has raised questions about celebrity activism and whether individuals like Rowling, who have contributed so significantly to the world of literature, should be held accountable for their personal views on such sensitive topics.

Coughlan’s statement did not end there. She further voiced her shock and anger over the Supreme Court ruling and Rowling’s public celebration of it. On Instagram, she shared a video in which she described how disturbing it was to see a marginalized community like transgender individuals continue to be attacked by the legal system.

Coughlan expressed her support for the trans community and announced plans to begin fundraising for the charity Not A Phase, an organization dedicated to supporting transgender adults across the UK.

Her initial fundraising goal was £10,000 (about $13,265), a target she quickly exceeded, ultimately raising nearly £100,000 (approximately $132,655). In her video, Coughlan condemned the celebration of a court ruling that she described as harmful.

“It’s disgusting and appalling to witness a community that’s already been marginalized continue to be attacked by the law,” she said. “What’s even worse is seeing people celebrating that fact.”

She emphasized the importance of allies standing up for the transgender community, urging those who identify as cisgender and as allies to speak out and make their support clear.

The actress also used her platform to rally other allies of the transgender and non-binary community, stating, “It’s time for transgender and non-binary allies to unite. F--- the Supreme Court, f--- TERFs (trans-exclusionary radical feminists).

Let’s come together and raise money.” The public support for Coughlan’s fundraising effort has been overwhelming, with many applauding her for taking such a bold stance. Her donation drive has resonated with fans and followers, especially those who have felt marginalized by public figures like Rowling.

Coughlan's criticism of Rowling is part of a broader cultural conversation surrounding the rights of transgender people, the role of celebrities in advocating for these rights, and the ongoing debate about the intersection of personal beliefs and professional success.

Rowling’s controversial stance on transgender issues has drawn significant backlash over the years, with many accusing her of transphobia due to her comments and public support for policies that restrict the rights of transgender individuals.

The author, who was once beloved for her Harry Potter series, has since become a polarizing figure, particularly among LGBTQ+ advocates. In addition to Coughlan’s statements, several other high-profile celebrities have also publicly condemned Rowling’s views on transgender rights.

Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter in the film adaptations, expressed his deep disappointment in Rowling’s stance, stating that her comments had caused him significant personal pain.

Radcliffe emphasized that while he owed much of his career to the author, he could not condone her views on transgender people, which he said were harmful. “It’s hard to look at someone you respect and realize they don’t respect people you care about,” Radcliffe said in an interview.

Other members of the Harry Potter cast, including Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, have also spoken out in support of transgender rights. Grint, who played Ron Weasley in the series, made it clear that he stands by the transgender community and echoed the sentiment that transgender women are women and transgender men are men.

Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger, tweeted that transgender people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives free from constant questioning of their gender identity.

The ongoing backlash against Rowling has sparked a wider discussion about the responsibility of celebrities and public figures to be mindful of the impact their words and actions have on marginalized communities.

While Rowling’s supporters argue that she is entitled to her personal beliefs, many feel that her views have alienated a significant portion of her fanbase. For Coughlan, the issue is not about personal beliefs but about standing up for what is right and using her platform to amplify the voices of those who are often silenced or ignored.

As the debate continues, Coughlan remains resolute in her support for the transgender community, and her fundraising campaign has gained significant attention.

In a time when the rights of transgender individuals are increasingly under threat, her activism serves as a reminder of the power of celebrity influence and the importance of speaking out against injustice.

While Rowling’s views continue to divide opinions, it is clear that the conversation about transgender rights will continue to be a central issue in the cultural dialogue, with figures like Coughlan using their platforms to push for change.

The conflict between Coughlan and Rowling highlights the tension between personal belief and public responsibility. As the Harry Potter franchise expands and new adaptations are made, it remains to be seen how Rowling’s views will affect the legacy of the books and films she created.

For now, Coughlan’s powerful stance and the support she has garnered from fans suggest that the fight for transgender rights is far from over. Whether Rowling will reconsider her stance or continue to face backlash remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the conversation is only just beginning.