J.K. Rowling & ‘Harry Potter’ / ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Actors Speak Out On Harvey Weinstein Sexual Abuse Case

Oct 12, 2017

Posted by: Emma Pocock

Isaacs, J.K. Rowling, Misc, News, Thewlis, Watson

Emma Watson led the way in speaking out on the news that Hollywood executive Harvey Weinstein had been accused by several women of harassment, groping and sexual assault over a period of several decades.

Ronan Farrow published the piece on The New Yorker (see another on The New York Times here), after a months-long investigation into several cases of alleged sexual assault. Weinstein initially denied the claims, only to send a desperate email to other Hollywood executives in an attempt to keep his career untarnished, and uphold his position as co-founder of film studio The Weinstein Company. He has since been fired, BAFTA have suspended his membership, his attorney – Lisa Bloom – quit with a statement about his actions and the entire movie industry are acknowledging the horrific nature of the allegations against Weinstein, beginning a much-needed discussion about the nature of sexual abuse and widespread abuses of power in the film industry.

Emma Watson worked with Weinstein on the My Week With Marilyn, and – along with a huge host of other shocked actors in the industry – shared her solidarity with the victims, of Weinstein’s atrocious abuse of power, taking to twitter to say:

J.K. Rowling weighed in on the debate, responding to former White House advisor Sebastian Gorka’s comments that the abuses would not have happened if Weinstein had ‘obeyed’ Vice President Mike Pence’s ‘rules’ for meeting with women (he reportedly will not even have a meal with any other woman that his wife or consume alcohol without her in his presence):

Fantastic Beasts star Alison Sudol (Queenie) shared Emma’s tweet, and her hopes that this incident will encourage awareness of the seriousness of sexual harassment and abuse, and empower people to use their voices to support victims and for victims to speak out in utter confidence that their allegations will be treated with respect and in all seriousness:

Jason Isaacs took the opportunity to share his support. He also spoke out against Sean Spicer’s ignorance in his weigh-in (click here to see the tweet).

David Thewlis (Remus Lupin), who worked with Weinstein with Emma Watson on Regression in 2015, as well as Macbeth, said of the incident: 

“Men like this who equate fame and power with the right to degrade women should be unequivocally condemned, shamed and be seen to suffer the consequences.”

Emma Thompson (Professor Trelawney) also shared her views on the case, saying Weinstein is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to sexual abuse, harassment, bullying and ‘interference’ in Hollywood:

If you have experienced sexual or domestic abuse / harassment of any kind and are in need of support, please call or message the RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline in the U.S., visit this web page for information if you are living in the U.K or visit Victim Support if you are living elsewhere.





The Leaky Cauldron is not associated with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any of the individuals or companies associated with producing and publishing Harry Potter books and films.