British author J.K. Rowling has reignited her public feud with The Mandalorian and The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal, this time firing back on social media after Pascal criticized her support for anti-transgender activism in the United Kingdom. The conflict stems from Rowling’s long-standing views on gender and biological sex, which have drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and many fans of her beloved Harry Potter series.
On Friday, June 28, Rowling tweeted a pointed message in response to Pascal’s harsh comments:
“Can’t say I feel very shut down, but keep at it, Pedro. God loves a trier.”
The tweet was widely seen as a sarcastic response to Pascal, who earlier had condemned Rowling’s involvement in the UK’s latest legal ruling affecting transgender rights.
Can’t say I feel very shut down, but keep at it, Pedro. God loves a trier. pic.twitter.com/xuyRGiquLx
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 28, 2025
The Catalyst: Rowling’s Financial Support of Anti-Trans Legal Campaign
The current flare-up in their feud follows revelations that Rowling provided financial backing to a group advocating for a narrow legal definition of “woman.” According to reports from Sources, The Independent, and other reputable outlets, Rowling donated to the UK-based advocacy group Sex Matters, which had been campaigning to ensure that the legal term “woman” remains based solely on biological sex.
This group played a major role in a recent UK Supreme Court ruling, which concluded that transgender women could legally be excluded from being recognized as women in certain settings—particularly single-sex spaces like women’s shelters and prisons.
While supporters of the ruling argue that it protects women’s rights and safety, critics view it as a discriminatory move that further marginalizes the trans community. Human rights organizations and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have widely condemned the decision as regressive.
Pedro Pascal: Speaking Up for Trans Rights and His Sister
Pedro Pascal, a popular actor known for portraying complex heroes, didn’t hold back his disapproval. Upon hearing that Rowling had helped fund the group behind the legal ruling, Pascal responded by calling the action “awful disgusting s–t,” showing his deep frustration.
In an interview with Vanity Fair published on June 24, Pascal elaborated on his emotional connection to the issue. His younger sister, Lux Pascal, is a transgender woman and an actress in her own right. Pascal has publicly supported her transition and used his platform to amplify trans voices.
Reflecting on his own role in such public debates, Pascal said,
“The one thing that I would say I agonized over a little bit was just, ‘Am I helping? Am I f—ing helping?’”
He added that issues surrounding trans rights require careful and respectful dialogue:
“It’s a situation that deserves the utmost elegance so that something can actually happen and people will actually be protected.”
Pascal’s continued activism and personal ties to the transgender community have made him a vocal supporter of inclusive policies, making him one of the most high-profile Hollywood stars standing against anti-trans narratives.
Rowling’s Position: Defiant and Unapologetic
Despite mounting criticism and public pushback, J.K. Rowling remains steadfast in her views. She has repeatedly stated that her advocacy is focused on protecting “sex-based rights” and ensuring that women’s spaces remain based on biological distinctions. Her statements often reference safety concerns, especially in prisons and domestic abuse shelters.
Rowling has also used her significant social media presence to push back against what she describes as “attempts to silence her.” Her latest tweet to Pascal appears to underscore her belief that she is being unfairly targeted or “shut down” by progressive voices in entertainment and media.
However, critics argue that Rowling’s influence—both as a bestselling author and public figure—means her views carry serious real-world consequences. Trans rights organizations like Stonewall UK, GLAAD, and Human Rights Watch have warned that her rhetoric contributes to a climate of hostility and misinformation about transgender people.
Fallout in the “Harry Potter” Universe
Rowling’s stance has led to an increasing divide between her and the stars of the Harry Potter film franchise. Actors Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) have both publicly opposed Rowling’s views.
In an open letter published through The Trevor Project in 2020, Radcliffe wrote,
“Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people.”
Emma Watson has also expressed her solidarity with the transgender community, stating in multiple tweets and public appearances that trans people “deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are.”
While Rowling remains the creator of the wizarding world, many fans and former collaborators have chosen to distance themselves from her public statements.
Broader Implications: Culture Wars and Celebrity Responsibility
The clash between Rowling and Pascal reflects a wider cultural battle over transgender rights, especially in the UK and the U.S., where legislation and public discourse are increasingly polarized. The involvement of celebrities in these debates often serves to amplify tensions, drawing global attention to complex and emotionally charged issues.
Organizations such as Amnesty International, Mermaids UK, and Transgender Europe have emphasized the need for inclusive dialogue that centers the experiences and safety of trans individuals. They caution that media narratives shaped by influential figures like Rowling can directly impact public attitudes and policy-making.
Meanwhile, Pascal’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy and informed advocacy, particularly when discussing human rights matters that affect vulnerable groups.
A Conflict Far Bigger Than Two People
While the latest tweets and interviews may seem like a social media skirmish between two celebrities, the underlying issue is far more significant. J.K. Rowling and Pedro Pascal represent two deeply different approaches to how society should define gender, protect rights, and respect identities.
Their ongoing public exchanges continue to shape the cultural conversation around transgender rights in the UK, the U.S., and beyond.
