Eddie Redmayne calls out ‘hideous torrent of abuse towards trans people’ – as he returns to work on JK Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts
Eddie Redmayne and JK Rowling (Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them star Eddie Redmayne has called out a “hideous torrent of abuse” towards trans people online, as production resumes on the embattled JK Rowling film franchise.
Redmayne was one of many film stars linked to JK Rowling’s work to speak out against her views on trans people – but unlike Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, his association with the author is ongoing through her Fantastic Beasts films.
Production resumed on the third film in the planned five-film saga this month, amid behind-the-scenes uncertainty caused by coronavirus, Rowling’s escalating views and Grindelwald villain Johnny Depp’s legal battle over allegations of domestic abuse.
Fantastic Beasts star calls out ‘hideous torrent of abuse towards trans people online’.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Redmayne – who played a trans character in The Danish Girl – said that he had made clear to Rowling that he does not agree with “absolutely disgusting” abuse towards her online.
However, he made clear that the torrent of abuse towards trans people on social media is “equally disgusting”.
The actor said he has many “trans friends and colleagues” who are “having their human rights challenged around the world and facing discrimination on a daily basis”.
Eddie Redmayne and JK Rowling (Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)
He added: “There continues to be a hideous torrent of abuse towards trans people online and out in the world that is devastating.”
Last week, Rowling platformed an online shop via Twitter that sells badges bearing the slogans “f**k your pronouns” and “sorry about your d**k bro” mocking the trans community.
Eddie Redmayne: ‘Trans people are tired of their identities being questioned.’
In his previous statement to Variety, Redmayne had said: “Respect for transgender people remains a cultural imperative, and over the years I have been trying to constantly educate myself. This is an ongoing process.
“As someone who has worked with both JK Rowling and members of the trans community, I wanted to make it absolutely clear where I stand.”
He continued: “I disagree with Jo’s comments. Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary identities are valid. I would never want to speak on behalf of the community but I do know that my dear transgender friends and colleagues are tired of this constant questioning of their identities, which all too often results in violence and abuse.
“They simply want to live their lives peacefully, and it’s time to let them do so.”
