Trans rights protestors disrupted a star-studded performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Thursday night, rushing the red carpet outside the Palace Theatre in London. Wearing black masks to conceal their identity, the group stormed the area as celebrities arrived for the special gala performance.
Protestors target JK Rowling
The book's best-selling author, JK Rowling, appeared to be the target of the fracas, with one protestor wearing a t-shirt that read: "Rowling money kills". Rowling, who is a multi-millionaire, has faced a huge backlash over her public comments about transgender people, gender identity and biological sex. Her views have led several major Harry Potter stars, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Eddie Redmayne, to publicly distance themselves from her.
Security at the Palace Theatre quickly swooped in on the protestors, who were swiftly removed. The disruption occurred as celebrities were arriving ahead of the special performance of the show, which is the stage adaptation and sequel to Rowling's hit franchise.
Celebrities in attendance
Famous faces for the special performance of the new version of the play included TV presenter Vanessa Feltz. Good Morning Britain host Richard Arnold, The Chase star Anne Hegerty and TV host Angellica Bell were also among those in attendance.
Rowling's stance and backlash
Rowling has faced significant controversy in recent years over her stance on gender identity, and has previously stated she thinks biological sex is "real" and "immutable". She has also been critical of self-declared gender identity, calling it "quasi-religious" and "anti-science", but has denied being transphobic and previously said she respects "every trans person's right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them".
Her outspoken views have divided fans of the franchise and sparked a recent wave of protests and boycotts by trans rights activists targeting Harry Potter-themed events and locations.
Feud with Emma Watson
Rowling has been publicly feuding with Harry Potter star Emma Watson, who played the original Hermione in the film franchise, for years since expressing her views. Emma fiercely disagreed with the author over her views about the transgender community, posting on social media: "Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren't who they say they are."
However, the actress later appeared to offer a way back for the pair last year. Speaking to the On Purpose With Jay Shetty podcast, she said she will always "cherish" her memories with Rowling. "I really don't believe that by having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, mean that I can't treasure Jo and the person that I had personal experiences with."
But Rowling wasn't having any of it. While not directly mentioning Emma's comments, she was quick to share a clip by a satirist who goes by the name Intel Lady doing an impression of the face of Prada Paradoxe. "When it comes to my relationship with Jo, obviously I will never forget the opportunity that she gave me," Intel Lady purred in the mock-up version before adding, sarcastically: "She saw something so, so special in me [and] she knew she had to bring me into her creative vision."
