John Lithgow Finds J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Stance “Ironic and Inexplicable,” Speaks Out on Current “War on Empathy”

John Lithgow, the 80-year-old actor cast as Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming "Harry Potter" series, expressed his views on J.K. Rowling's controversial stance on transgender issues during a talk at the Rotterdam Film Festival. Lithgow described Rowling's views as "ironic and inexplicable," highlighting a contradiction between her statements and the moral themes present in her works, which often explore concepts of good versus evil and the importance of kindness. He emphasized that he takes the subject of transgender rights "extremely seriously." Lithgow also addressed the backlash surrounding Rowling's comments, noting that some people urged him to walk away from the role due to her views. However, he chose to remain involved with the project, stating, "I chose not to do that." He referred to his eight-year contract for the role as "insane," indicating the significant commitment he has made to the series. The discussion surrounding Lithgow's comments reflects a broader cultural debate about gender identity and the responsibilities of public figures. Rowling's controversial stance has led to significant backlash, particularly from the LGBTQ+ community, prompting a reevaluation of her legacy in light of her literary contributions. This ongoing discourse highlights the complexities of navigating personal beliefs in the public sphere and the impact of creators' views on their work and audience reception.