Nicola Coughlan, best known for her role in “Bridgerton,” recently took a stand against J.K. Rowling and HBO’s new “Harry Potter” series following the author’s celebration of the U.K. Supreme Court’s ruling on the legal definition of a woman being based on biological sex. The ruling, which was announced on Wednesday, has sparked outrage within the transgender community as it restricts access to women-only spaces and opportunities for trans women.
Rowling, known for her controversial views on transgender issues, publicly praised the ruling by sharing a photo of herself smoking a cigar with the caption “I love it when a plan comes together.” This action was met with criticism from Coughlan, who has been a vocal advocate for trans rights on her social media platforms. She reposted an article from The Cut titled “This Is a New Low for J.K. Rowling” on her Instagram Story, expressing her disappointment in Rowling’s stance.
In her Instagram Story post, Coughlan stated, “Keep your new ‘Harry Potter’ lads. Wouldn’t touch it with a 10-foot pole.” This comment was in reference to the new “Harry Potter” series being developed by HBO, which recently announced the casting of key characters such as Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, and Snape. Despite Rowling’s controversial views, she remains involved in the series and had a hand in selecting the show’s creative team.
An HBO representative previously stated that Rowling has the right to express her personal views, and the focus remains on the development of the new series. However, Coughlan’s stance against the ruling and Rowling’s involvement in the series remains unwavering. She took to Instagram to voice her support for the trans community and announced that she would match donations to the charity Not a Phase up to £10,000.
In a video post on Instagram, Coughlan expressed her horror at the Supreme Court’s ruling and urged allies of the trans community to speak up and show their support. She emphasized the importance of standing up for marginalized communities and fighting against discriminatory laws. Coughlan’s advocacy for trans rights aligns with her ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
As of now, representatives for HBO and J.K. Rowling have not responded to requests for comment on the matter. Coughlan’s unwavering support for the trans community and her vocal opposition to discriminatory laws serve as a reminder of the importance of standing up for equality and justice for all individuals. Through her actions and advocacy, Coughlan continues to be a beacon of hope and allyship for marginalized communities.
