Miriam Margolyes Harry Potter

Miriam Margolyes defends 'generous' Harry Potter author JK Rowling over trans row: 'I think the vituperation she's received is misplaced.'

If you seriously want to become a woman you should be allowed to. It’s a matter of personal happiness for people and I think that’s what you should concentrate on. It’s a tricky one.’ The actor explained that she ‘admires’ Rowling ‘as a human being’, describing her as a ‘generous woman’ and a ‘brilliant writer’. I don’t necessarily agree with everything my auntie says, but she’s still my auntie. In 2020, Rowling criticised an article that referred to ‘people who menstruate’, rather than women, going on to make several contentious statements about the trans community over the past couple of years despite denying she is transphobic.

The 80-year-old actor said Rowling was "a generous woman" and a "brilliant writer".

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Ms Rowling has previously been criticised for her views on women's rights.

I admire her as a human being.” She added: “There isn't one answer to all these trans questions. I don't know her at all.

JK Rowling has repeatedly come under fire for her comments about the transgender community.

The Call the Midwife star continued: "I don’t know her at all. "But I think the vituperation that JK Rowling has received is misplaced," she added. The Harry Potter author has repeatedly come under fire in recent years after posting a series of controversial comments about the transgender community on social media.