Evanna Lynch has called for people to have "more grace and listen" to JK Rowling. The 31-year-old actress - who is best known for her portrayal of Luna Lovegood in the 'Harry Potter' films - admitted she was shocked by the backlash against the author, who has been accused of transphobia for advocating for single-sex spaces and the importance of biological sex, and wishes people would study what she has to say, rather than condemning her for what they perceive she has said.
She said: "[I was shocked by the backlash] especially when she wrote her essay [revealing experiences in her unhappy first marriage]. "I just felt that her character has always been to advocate for the most vulnerable members of society.
The problem is that there’s a disagreement over who’s the most vulnerable. "I do wish people would just give her more grace and listen to her. ” Evanna, who became penpals with the writer long before she was cast in the movie franchise while she was battling anorexia, insisted she will "always defend her character" and would happily work on more 'Harry Potter' projects in the future.
She told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: “These books formed me and JK Rowling inspired me. She inspires me still. ” The 57-year-old author was first criticised when she tweeted an article referring to “people who menstruate” and said: “I’m sure there used to be a word for those people.