Michelle Gomez releases statement after Harry Potter role backlash

The National

2 days ago

Gomez, known for her roles in Green Wing and Doctor Who, posted a statement after fans were furious she is taking on the role of Professor McGonagall in an Audible series of JK Rowling's books.
Fans were not happy with Gomez taking on the part, as Rowling has become renowned for her opposition to transgender rights.
Gomez insisted she was a supporter of LGBT+ rights, and said she 'understood' why her taking on the role was 'painful' for many fans.
READ MORE: Ross Greer demands action on Scottish Israel boycott plan
The Harry Potter author recently called for a boycott of Marks and Spencers over a transgender member of staff working in the lingerie section.
And, Rowling contributed to For Women Scotland's crowdfunder when they took the case over the definition of a woman to the Supreme Court. Following the ruling, which said the definition under the Equality Act referred to biological sex, Rowling posted a photograph of her smoking a cigar on a yacht, celebrating the outcome.
Following the judgment, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) published guidance that essentially banned transgender people from using toilets of their acquired gender.
One fan wrote: 'It is incredibly disappointing to see that Michelle Gomez has chosen to work on the Harry Potter audio series. There isn't an excuse for it- JK Rowling's contribution to anti trans legislation and violence, supported by her HP earnings, has been well known for several years now.'
Another said: 'Michelle Gomez can post as many apologies as she wants - you cannot call yourself an ally to trans (or LGBT*) people while actively choosing to work on a project directly linked to the most notorious, unapologetic transphobe in the world. That is not allyship, it's performance.'
Posting on her Instagram story, Gomez said: 'To my LGBTQ+ fans, and especially the trans community: I want to speak directly to the concerns that have been raised about my involvement in this project. I hear you, and I understand why this is painful for many.
'I want to be clear that I stand with trans people, and I support trans rights - fully and without hesitation.
(Image: Audible) 'When I accepted this role, I did so as someone who has always loved the stories and what they meant to so many, especially those who found comfort and identity in that world.
'I now understand more clearly how deeply complicated and hurtful this association can feel, and I take that seriously.
'Being an ally means listening even when it's uncomfortable and taking accountability where it's needed. I'm committed to doing both.'
She then linked to a donation page for Callen-Lorde, a US-based LGBT+ healthcare provider.
In response, one fan said: 'Quite frankly I'm not convinced she was truly this ignorant & is trying to save her own ass. It won't work. Not unless you drop out of the project & show you're against JKR & her trans genocide.'
The audiobook adaptations are set to star Hugh Laurie as Albus Dumbledore, Matthew Matthew MacFadyen as Lord Voldemort and Riz Amed as Professor Snape.