Eddie Redmayne Releases Statement on JK Rowling's Tweets: 'Trans Women Are Women'

Eddie Redmayne stars in Harry Potter author JK Rowling‘s Fantastic Beasts movie series, and now, he’s condemning her anti-trans tweets.

“Respect for transgender people remains a cultural imperative, and over the years I have been trying to constantly educate myself,” Eddie told Variety. “This is an ongoing process. As someone who has worked with both J.K. Rowling and members of the trans community, I wanted to make it absolutely clear where I stand. I disagree with Jo’s comments. Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary identities are valid. I would never want to speak on behalf of the community but I do know that my dear transgender friends and colleagues are tired of this constant questioning of their identities, which all too often results in violence and abuse. They simply want to live their lives peacefully, and it’s time to let them do so.”

Eddie earned an Oscar nomination for his work in The Danish Girl, where he played the role of transgender woman Lili Elbe. Find out what he said about playing the role at the time.