“She’s a Disgusting Bigot!” Pedro Pascal Unleashes Fury on J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Celebration, Fuels Harry Potter Boycott Fire—Find Out Why This Feud Is Exploding Online!
In a fiery outburst, The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal has branded Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling a “heinous loser” for her gleeful celebration of a controversial U.K. Supreme Court ruling that excludes transgender women from legal recognition as women under Britain’s Equality Act. Pascal’s scathing comments, posted on Instagram in response to activist Tariq Ra’ouf’s call for a boycott of all Harry Potter-related projects, have ignited a social media storm. With his sister Lux Pascal being transgender, the actor’s personal stake in the issue adds weight to his advocacy, as he joins a growing chorus of celebrities and fans condemning Rowling’s anti-trans rhetoric. As the Harry Potter reboot looms, this clash is raising tough questions about fandom, morality, and the legacy of a once-beloved franchise.
A Star’s Outrage Sparks a Movement
On April 16, 2025, the U.K. Supreme Court ruled that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the 2010 Equality Act refer strictly to biological females, effectively barring transgender women from single-sex spaces like refuges, hospital wards, and sports. J.K. Rowling, a vocal supporter of the campaign group For Women Scotland, which brought the legal challenge, celebrated the decision with a provocative post on X. Sharing a photo of herself smoking a cigar and holding a drink aboard her £113 million superyacht, she wrote, “I love it when a plan comes together. #SupremeCourt #WomensRights.” The post, dripping with smugness, drew immediate backlash for its insensitivity toward the trans community.
Enter Pedro Pascal, the 50-year-old actor known for his roles in The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, and the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps. On April 24, 2025, Pascal responded to an Instagram video by activist Tariq Ra’ouf, who condemned Rowling’s actions as “Voldemort villain shit” and urged a boycott of all Harry Potter-related projects, including HBO’s upcoming TV reboot, Universal theme parks, and merchandise. Ra’ouf’s caption read: “Don’t watch the show. Don’t go to Universal. Don’t buy a single Harry Potter thing ever. It’s time to tell these corporations that transphobia loses money.” Pascal, whose verified Instagram account boasts nearly 10 million followers, liked the post and commented: “Awful disgusting SHIT is exactly right. Heinous LOSER behavior.” The comment, which garnered over 3,000 likes, sent shockwaves across social media, amplifying the boycott call.
Pascal’s outspokenness is deeply personal. His sister, Lux Pascal, came out as transgender in 2021, and the actor has been a fierce advocate for her and the broader LGBTQ+ community. Just days before his Instagram comment, on April 22, 2025, Pascal attended the U.K. premiere of Marvel’s Thunderbolts wearing a “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt, designed by Conner Ives to raise funds for Trans Lifeline, a U.S.-based trans-led charity. The term “dolls” is an affectionate nickname for trans women within the queer community, and Pascal’s wardrobe choice was a bold statement against the global rise in anti-trans sentiment.
The Backlash Against Rowling Intensifies
Rowling’s celebration of the Supreme Court ruling wasn’t just a personal jab—it was a culmination of years of controversial statements that have turned her from a beloved author into a polarizing figure. Since 2020, when she tweeted sarcastically about “people who menstruate,” Rowling has doubled down on her views, arguing that recognizing trans women as women undermines biological women’s rights. She has financially backed groups like For Women Scotland and used her platform to challenge trans rights, earning her the label of TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) from critics. Her actions have alienated many fans and prompted stars like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint—the trio at the heart of the Harry Potter films—to publicly distance themselves from her. Radcliffe, in a 2020 statement, declared, “Trans women are women,” while Watson emphasized that trans people “deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned.”
Pascal isn’t alone in his recent criticism. Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan also slammed Rowling, sharing an article titled “This Is a New Low for J.K. Rowling” on Instagram and writing, “Keep your new Harry Potter lads. Wouldn’t touch it with a 10-foot pole.” Coughlan launched a fundraiser for Not a Phase, a trans charity, urging allies to “f— the Supreme Court, f— the TERFs.” Similarly, Saturday Night Live’s Bowen Yang posted a photo flipping off the camera with the caption, “Absolute f— u to J.K. Rowling.” Even Harry Potter actor Sean Biggerstaff called Rowling an “obsessed billionaire” and “bigoted” on social media. These voices reflect a growing sentiment: Rowling’s views are not just personal opinions but a deliberate campaign with real-world consequences.
On X, the reaction was polarized. Supporters of Pascal, like @wizardingnews, highlighted his comment, with one user writing, “Pedro Pascal speaks the truth. JKR ruined her legacy by being an obsessive, hateful bigot.” Others, like @NotFarLeftAtAll, criticized Pascal, with one post stating, “Why do celebrities do this? Now I’ve got to boycott his tv/movies.” Meanwhile, @Salon and @consequence amplified Pascal’s words, framing Rowling’s actions as a betrayal of the inclusive spirit of Harry Potter. The hashtag #BoycottHarryPotter trended briefly, alongside #ProtectTheDolls, reflecting the divided fandom.
The Harry Potter Reboot: A Franchise at a Crossroads
The controversy comes at a pivotal moment for the Harry Potter franchise. HBO’s upcoming TV series, set to adapt all seven novels across multiple seasons, is in pre-production, with filming slated to begin this summer. The adult cast includes John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Snape—all actors with a history of playing LGBTQ+ roles, which has sparked both praise and irony given Rowling’s involvement as a creative consultant. HBO chief Casey Bloys has downplayed boycott concerns, pointing to the success of Hogwarts Legacy, the 2023 video game that overcame similar calls for a boycott to become the year’s top-selling game. Yet, the boycott movement is gaining traction, fueled by Ra’ouf’s rallying cry and Pascal’s endorsement.
Ra’ouf’s video was uncompromising: “It has become our mission as the general public to make sure that every single thing that’s Harry Potter-related fails… because that awful disgusting shit, that has consequences.” He argued that Rowling’s royalties—bolstered by book sales, theme park visits, and merchandise—directly fund her anti-trans advocacy. Rowling herself has leaned into this narrative, tweeting in 2023, “I get the same royalties whether you read [my books] or burn them. Enjoy your marshmallows!” Her defiance, coupled with her financial support for groups like For Women Scotland, has made separating the art from the artist nearly impossible for many fans.
The economic stakes are high. The Harry Potter franchise has generated over $25 billion in revenue since the first book’s release in 1997, spanning books, films, games, and theme parks. Universal Orlando Resort, owned by NBCUniversal, relies heavily on Harry Potter-themed attractions, which Ra’ouf explicitly targeted in his boycott call. A successful boycott could dent these profits, sending a message to corporations that aligning with controversial figures like Rowling carries financial risks. However, skeptics point to the franchise’s enduring popularity, with Hogwarts Legacy selling over 15 million copies despite boycott efforts.
A Personal Fight for Pascal
Pascal’s involvement in the controversy is deeply tied to his relationship with his sister, Lux, a 32-year-old actress and activist who graduated from Juilliard in 2023. In a 2023 Esquire interview, Pascal described Lux as “one of the most powerful people and personalities I’ve ever known,” admitting, “My protective side is lethal, but I need her more than she needs me.” Lux has accompanied Pascal to red carpet events, and he frequently shares her photoshoots on Instagram, calling her “gorgeous.” His advocacy extends beyond family—he has consistently supported trans rights, posting a rainbow flag in March 2023 to protest anti-trans legislation and writing in February 2025, “I can’t think of anything more vile and small and pathetic than terrorizing the smallest, most vulnerable community of people who want nothing from you, except the right to exist.”
This personal connection makes Pascal’s clash with Rowling more than just a celebrity feud—it’s a defense of his sister and the trans community at large. His “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt, worn days before his Instagram comment, was part of a campaign to highlight the global anti-trans movement, which has gained traction in countries like the U.K., where the Supreme Court ruling has emboldened trans-exclusionary policies. The ruling, while clarifying legal protections for single-sex spaces, has sparked fears of increased discrimination against trans women, with Reuters noting that trans people remain protected against harassment but face new barriers in accessing services.
The Broader Context: Trans Rights in Crisis
The U.K. ruling is part of a broader wave of anti-trans legislation and sentiment worldwide. In the U.S., over 500 anti-trans bills were introduced in 2024 alone, targeting healthcare, sports, and bathroom access. The U.K.’s decision to define “woman” by biological sex has been hailed by some as a victory for women’s rights but condemned by others as a setback for trans equality. Rowling’s financial backing of For Women Scotland, which spent years challenging Scotland’s gender equality laws, has positioned her as a central figure in this debate. Her wealth—estimated at over $1 billion—gives her outsized influence, making her a lightning rod for criticism.
Critics like Ra’ouf argue that Rowling’s actions have real-world consequences, stoking fear and division against an already vulnerable minority. Trans women, who face disproportionate rates of violence and discrimination, are particularly affected by policies that exclude them from women’s spaces. A 2021 survey by the Williams Institute found that 70% of trans people in the U.S. had experienced discrimination in public facilities, and the U.K.’s ruling risks exacerbating similar issues. Pascal’s comment, while blunt, reflects a broader frustration with Rowling’s refusal to engage with these realities, instead framing her advocacy as a defense of “women’s rights.”
Can the Boycott Succeed?
The call to boycott Harry Potter is not new—similar efforts emerged in 2020 after Rowling’s initial transphobic tweets and again in 2023 with Hogwarts Legacy. Yet, the franchise’s cultural and economic dominance has made it resilient. Fans are deeply divided, with some arguing for separating the art from the artist, especially since Rowling’s books shaped their childhoods. On Reddit’s r/popculturechat, one user wrote, “I really love Harry Potter; that was the last time I felt childlike excitement around any media… but JKR ruined her legacy.” Others, however, are unwavering, with thrift stores and libraries suggested as ways to engage with the series without supporting Rowling directly.
Pascal’s involvement could tip the scales. As a beloved figure with a massive following, his endorsement of the boycott lends it credibility and visibility. His comment has already sparked conversations on X, Reddit, and Instagram, with #BoycottHarryPotter trending alongside posts praising his allyship. However, Rowling’s defiant stance—she’s vowed to keep “stocking up on champagne” in response to boycott threats—suggests she’s unmoved. Her royalties, while significant, are only part of her wealth, and she’s made it clear she views them as validation of her views.
HBO faces a delicate balancing act. The Harry Potter reboot is a high-stakes project, with a reported budget exceeding $100 million for the first season alone. Casting diverse actors like Essiedu, who has played queer roles, and leaning on directors like Mark Mylod (The Last of Us), signals an attempt to modernize the franchise. Yet, Rowling’s creative involvement remains a sticking point, and Pascal’s comment—coming from a star of HBO’s flagship series—adds pressure. Bloys’ dismissal of boycott concerns may prove optimistic if the movement gains momentum.
A Legacy Tarnished, A Fight Unfinished
The clash between Pascal and Rowling is more than a celebrity spat—it’s a microcosm of a larger cultural battle over trans rights, artistic legacy, and consumer power. For fans, the Harry Potter universe, once a beacon of hope and inclusivity, is now tainted by its creator’s views. Pascal, with his unapologetic advocacy, has become a rallying point for those who see the boycott as a way to hold Rowling accountable. His words—“heinous loser behavior”—cut through the noise, encapsulating the anger of a community tired of being vilified.
As the Harry Potter reboot approaches, the boycott’s success will depend on whether fans can reconcile their love for the series with their discomfort with Rowling’s actions. For Pascal, the fight is personal, and his voice—amplified by his platform and his sister’s story—carries weight. The trans community, caught in the crossfire, continues to face real-world consequences from rulings like the U.K.’s, making allyship from figures like Pascal all the more vital. This feud isn’t just about a book series—it’s about who gets to exist, and who gets to be heard.
