*The Mandalorian* star Pedro Pascal has publicly criticized author J.K. Rowling following her celebration of a recent U.K. Supreme Court ruling that transgender women should not be recognized as women under Britain’s Equality Act.
Pascal, 50, whose sister Lux came out as transgender in 2021, commented on an Instagram video that highlighted Rowling’s involvement in the controversial ruling, calling the author’s behavior “awful disgusting SH– is exactly right. Heinous LOSER behavior.”
The Instagram video, posted by activist Tariq Ra’ouf, explained that Rowling financially backed the campaign group For Women Scotland, which brought the legal challenges to court. Ra’ouf called for a boycott of “Harry Potter-related” projects and experiences in response to Rowling’s actions.
Following the April 16 ruling, Rowling, 59, posted on X (formerly Twitter) with a photo of herself celebrating the decision, writing: “I love it when a plan comes together. #SupremeCourt #WomensRights.”
Pascal has been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. He demonstrated his continued support by attending the U.K. premiere of Marvel’s Thunderbolts* in London on April 22 wearing a white T-shirt emblazoned with “PROTECT THE DOLLS,” part of a campaign by American designer Conner Ives. The phrase references “dolls,” an affectionate term used within the LGBTQ+ community to refer to transgender women.
The actor frequently shows public support for his sister Lux’s transition. Lux, an actress and activist, graduated from The Juilliard School in New York City in 2023 and has accompanied her brother to several red carpet premieres.
The U.K. ruling allows for single-sex services to exclude transgender women. The U.K. government stated that the ruling brought “clarity and confidence” for women and service providers, according to The Athletic.
Pascal joins other celebrities who have spoken out against Rowling’s stance. “Bridgerton” star Nicola Coughlan criticized the author on her Instagram Stories, writing, “This Is a New Low for J.K. Rowling.” Coughlan added that she “wouldn’t touch [the series]” and urged followers to “Keep your new Harry Potter lads,” referring to HBO’s upcoming adaptation of Rowling’s seven books.
The cast of the original Harry Potter films has also distanced themselves from Rowling’s views. Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, wrote an essay for the Trevor Project expressing support for transgender people, stating: “To all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished, I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you.”
Emma Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger, previously tweeted: “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. I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are.”
