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Harry Potter fans react to Emma Watson’s subtle dig at J. K. Rowling

Kieran Galpin

Emma Watson

…and that’s why Hermione is the GOAT

Harry Potter fans have been reacting to Emma Watson’s subtle dig at J. K. Rowling during her Bafta speech.

Sunday’s Bafta ceremony was full of subtle digs and tributes to various causes, whether it was the Russian invasion of Ukraine or Andy Serkis slamming Home Secretary Priti Patel.

As the show’s host, Rebel Wilson introduced Watson, 31, to the stage, by saying: “Here to present the next award is Emma Watson. She calls herself a feminist, but we all know she’s a witch.”

In reply, Watson uttered: “I’m here for all the witches!”

Many have connected the dots of Watson’s words to comments made by J. K. Rowling.

“Live for Emma Watson throwing subtle shade at JK Rowling at the #BAFTAs #LGBWithTheT #JKDoesntSpeakForMe,” one fan wrote.

Since writing the Harry Potter series, which generated $7.7bn of revenue worldwide, Rowling has taken her writing talents to Twitter, where you can usually find her being condemned for transphobic comments.

Another fan commented: “Was that a jibe by Emma Watson at jk rowling? what a QUEEEEENNN.”

Watson was not the only one to take a jab at Rowling, with Wilson also paying homage to the author’s incendiary comments. Talking about her weight loss journey, Wilson noted her “transformation”, adding: “I hope J.K. Rowling still approves.”

Most recently, Rowling commented on International Women’s Day – but rather than uplift female voices like other stars, she once again dedicated her Twitter discourse to “Women like me can’t be bullied out of resistance.”

While Watson has been applauded for her comments, others questioned why it was so subdued. I think a lot of people were looking for an iconic Hermione line, “YOU! YOU FOUL, LOATHSOME, EVIL LITTLE COCKROACH!” perhaps.

Meanwhile, Rowling’s usually bustling Twitter is eerily silent.

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