Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in HBO’s The Last of Us and Marvel’s upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps, has recently voiced strong opposition against J.K. Rowling, the renowned author of the Harry Potter series. Pascal’s comments come in light of Rowling’s controversial views on transgender issues, which have sparked significant public debate.

Background of the Controversy

This week, in response to an Instagram post by activist Tariq Raouf, Pascal labeled Rowling a “heinous loser.” Raouf’s post had called for a boycott of the anticipated Harry Potter TV series reboot, following Rowling’s support of a recent U.K. Supreme Court ruling about the legal definition of a woman based on biological sex. According to the ruling, this definition could exclude trans women from certain sex-specific services.

Rowling’s Response and Public Outcry

In light of the Supreme Court’s decision, Rowling shared a celebratory post on social media that was met with backlash. The post featured a photo of her aboard a boat, accompanied by a caption expressing satisfaction with the court’s ruling. Critics, including Raouf, have accused her of promoting harmful narratives against the transgender community, citing her financial contributions to anti-trans organizations as exacerbating the situation.

Pascal’s Advocacy for Trans Rights

Pedro Pascal has been an outspoken advocate for trans rights, using his platform to raise awareness. He has previously showcased his support at events, such as the U.K. premiere of Marvel’s Thunderbolts, where he wore a t-shirt promoting a charity that aids the transgender community. His activism reflects a commitment to LGBTQ+ issues, stemming partially from his personal connections, including a trans sister.

Calls for Boycotts

Raouf articulated a growing sentiment among those who believe that Rowling’s actions warrant a financial response. He suggested a widespread boycott of anything related to the Harry Potter franchise to challenge the profitability of her works. “If we could boycott Starbucks and McDonald’s, we can ensure that Harry Potter is no longer profitable,” he emphasized in his video post discussing the boycott.

Rowling’s Continued Defiance

Despite the backlash, Rowling remains defiant, previously stating in a post that her royalties remain unaffected by any reader’s decision to destroy her books. This response followed a taunt from a social media user who claimed to be burning her works.