Actor Pedro Pascal has publicly criticised author J.K. Rowling for her stance on transgender issues, calling her an “awful disgusting S***” and a “heinous LOSER”.
The star made the comments on Instagram in response to a video posted by activist Tariq Ra’ouf.
Ra’ouf’s video highlighted Rowling’s financial connection to the For Women Scotland campaign, which recently secured a UK Supreme Court ruling on transgender recognition.
Pascal, known for his roles in The Last of Us and upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps, has been a vocal supporter of transgender rights.
The UK Supreme Court ruling, which Rowling celebrated, determined that transgender women should not be recognised as women under Britain’s Equality Act.
This legal decision defines women based solely on biological sex, excluding transgender women from equality laws.
The ruling could potentially bar transgender women from participating in women’s sports across the UK.
Rowling, who has faced criticism for her views on transgender issues, has financially supported the For Women Scotland group that helped secure the legal outcome.
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Ra’ouf described Rowling’s efforts to influence the court’s definition of women as “Voldemort villain s***” in his Instagram video.
Pascal has long been a supporter of trans rights, with his sister Lux Pascal having come out as transgender in 2021.
In a 2023 Esquire interview, Pascal said of Lux: “She is and has always been one of the most powerful people and personalities I’ve ever known. My protective side is lethal, but I need her more than she needs me.”
Earlier this week, Pascal wore a shirt with the phrase “Protect the Dolls” at the UK red carpet premiere of Marvel’s Thunderbolts.
The shirt is part of a fundraising campaign drawing attention to anti-transgender sentiment worldwide.
Pascal is not the only celebrity to speak out against Rowling’s views on transgender issues.
Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have all previously criticised the author’s stance.
Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan has also voiced opposition to Rowling’s rhetoric.
In his Instagram video, activist Ra’ouf suggested that “it has become our mission as the general public to make sure that every single thing that’s Harry Potter-related fails”.
I love it when a plan comes together.#SupremeCourt #WomensRights pic.twitter.com/agOkWmhPgb
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 16, 2025
Pascal liked this video before adding his critical comment about Rowling’s behaviour.
Rowling’s response to the Supreme Court ruling was defiant, posting a selfie of herself having a smoke and a drink.
The author captioned the image: “I love it when a plan comes together. #SupremeCourt #WomensRights.”
This celebration came after her financial support for the For Women Scotland campaign helped secure the legal definition of women based on biological sex.
The ruling has sparked significant debate across the UK, with celebrities and activists increasingly vocal about their positions.