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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jacob Stolworthy

John Lithgow calls JK Rowling’s trans views ‘inexplicable’ after Harry Potter role backlash

JK Rowling Harry Potter John Lithgow Albus Dumbledore HBO Nick Frost Paapa Essiedu Rubeus Hagrid

John Lithgow has branded JK Rowling’s transgender rights views “ironic and inexplicable”, adding that he is “upset” he’s being criticised for playing Dumbledore in the new Harry Potter TV series.

The 80-year-old actor will play the Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s adaptation of Rowling’s famous books, casting of which has led to backlash due to Rowling’s comments about the transgender community.

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