Pedro Pascal, acclaimed for his role in The Last of Us, has publicly criticized author J.K. Rowling following a controversial ruling by the UK Supreme Court. The court’s decision, announced on April 16, defines “woman”solely based on biological sex, which effectively excludes transgender women from receiving legal recognition under the Equality Act 2010.
In response to activist Tariq Ra’ouf’s critique of Rowling’s jubilant post about the ruling, Pascal took to Instagram to express his disdain, labeling her behavior as:
“Awful disgusting SH*T is exactly right. Heinous LOSER behavior.”
Rowling had shared a celebratory image of herself on X (formerly known as Twitter), holding a drink and a cigar, accompanied by the caption, “I love it when a plan comes together. #SupremeCourt #WomensRights.”The ruling has ignited a wave of mixed reactions, with some applauding it while others vehemently oppose it. Notably, Rowling funded For Women Scotland, the organization that initiated the legal challenge resulting in the ruling.
Pedro Pascal Advocates for LGBTQ+ Rights
Pascal’s remarks are a continuation of his advocacy for transgender rights. During the London premiere of Marvel’s Thunderbolts on April 22, he donned a white T-shirt emblazoned with “Protect the Dolls,”a phrase that serves as a term of endearment in the LGBTQ+ community for transgender women.
Designed by American creator Conner Ives, the shirt supports Trans Lifeline, an organization that provides essential peer support and crisis intervention for transgender individuals.
The actor’s support for his transgender sibling, Lux Pascal, who came out in 2021, further underscores his commitment to her journey. Lux expressed her appreciation for her brother’s unwavering support in a feature with Ya magazine. In a touching tribute, Pedro shared the magazine cover on Instagram with the caption, “Mi hermana, mi corazón, nuestra Lux,”translating to “My sister, my heart, our Lux.”
The U.K. Supreme Court’s ruling has reignited intense discussions surrounding gender identity. Proponents claim it brings clarity regarding single-sex spaces, whereas opponents argue it infringes upon transgender rights.
The ruling specifies that legal definitions of “woman”and “sex”exclusively reference biological sex, effectively barring transgender women, even those with Gender Recognition Certificates, from certain legal protections.
Numerous public figures have rallied against Rowling’s position. Nicola Coughlan, known for her role in Bridgerton, expressed her disapproval on Instagram Stories, declaring:
“This Is a New Low for J.K. Rowling,”and remarked that she “wouldn’t touch [the new Harry Potter series] with a ten-foot pole.”
Former cast members from the original Harry Potter series—Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson—have also voiced their support for the transgender community. Radcliffe published an essay for the Trevor Project, reflecting on the pain that Rowling’s words have caused, while Watson asserted:
“Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are.”
J.K. Rowling defends her stance by claiming she advocates for women’s rights through the maintenance of biological sex categories while asserting her support for transgender inclusivity. She argues against allowing transgender individuals to bypass medical evaluations before their identity is legally recognized.
This ongoing discourse remains a pivotal issue, fueling vital conversations about the definitions of gender identity, as society grapples with finding a balance between protecting women’s rights and ensuring transgender inclusivity.