Michelle Gomez has spoken out after facing criticism over her role in a new Harry Potter project.
The Doctor Who and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina star has been cast as Professor Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter: The Full Cast Audio Editions, Audible’s upcoming re-recording of all seven books.
Gomez is the third performer to take on the role, following Maggie Smith in the films and Janet McTeer, who will play McGonagall in HBO’s forthcoming TV adaptation.
Fans have called her out for “actively choosing to work on a project directly linked to the most notorious, unapologetic transphobe in the world.”
In response to online outrage, Gomez posted a message on Instagram aimed at her LGBTQ+ fans, especially the transgender community.
She wrote, “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.”
She also shared that while she accepted the role out of love for the stories, she now better understands the complexities for those hurt by the association.
She continued, “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.”
She added, “Being an ally means listening even when it’s uncomfortable and taking accountability where it’s needed.”
“I’m committed to doing both.”
The Harry Potter series has been caught up in controversy for more than two years over J.K. Rowling’s comments on transgender rights, which have fueled widespread debate online.
Some bookstores have even stopped selling her books, and new franchise announcements often get pushback, though work on the HBO series and other projects is still moving forward.
HBO recently unveiled the main cast for its long-awaited Harry Potter TV series.
Newcomer Dominic McLaughlin will play the Boy Who Lived, alongside Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
The star-studded supporting cast includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.
The series will be a book-by-book adaptation, with each season covering one of J.K. Rowling’s seven novels.
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