“Transgender Women Are Women — Only Fools Oppose That”: Scarlett Johansson Defends Emma Watson, Calls Out J.K. Rowling’s Remarks
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Acclaimed actress Scarlett Johansson has become the latest Hollywood figure to speak out against author J.K. Rowling, following renewed controversy over Rowling’s reported criticism of Harry Potter star Emma Watson for supporting transgender rights.
In a recent interview, Johansson — best known for her roles in Black Widow, Marriage Story, and Lost in Translation — made a bold and unequivocal statement that has quickly spread across social media:
“Transgender women are women — only fools oppose that.”
A Clear Stand for Inclusion
Johansson, a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality, did not hold back when asked about Rowling’s latest comments, which allegedly described Watson as “stupid” for her stance on trans inclusion. Instead, the actress chose to celebrate her fellow performer’s empathy and courage.
“Emma stands for kindness and inclusion, and that’s something the world needs more of — not less,” Johansson said. “It takes courage to speak up when people with power are spreading intolerance.”
Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, has repeatedly voiced support for the transgender community, famously saying, “Trans people are who they say they are.” Her words, echoed by co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, have often been at odds with Rowling’s increasingly divisive public statements on gender identity.
“You Can’t Claim Equality While Excluding Others”
Johansson also addressed the contradiction in claiming to champion women’s rights while denying inclusion to transgender women.
“If you’re fighting for equality but drawing lines about who counts as a woman, you’re not fighting for equality at all,” she said. “You’re just protecting your own prejudice.”
Her remarks have been widely praised online, with fans and fellow celebrities commending the actress for using her platform to speak out clearly and decisively. One user wrote, “Scarlett Johansson said what needed to be said — compassion isn’t up for debate.”
A Broader Industry Conversation
Rowling’s public dispute with members of the Harry Potter cast has reignited an ongoing conversation about the responsibility of artists with influence. Once celebrated as a literary hero for her tales of acceptance and bravery, the author now finds herself increasingly isolated from many of the actors whose careers her books helped launch.
Johansson’s comments align her with a growing list of stars — including Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Tom Holland, and Jennifer Lawrence — who have all voiced support for transgender rights and equality.
“Empathy Is Progress”
The actress ended her remarks with a reflection on how society should approach change and understanding.
“We’re supposed to evolve,” Johansson said. “We learn, we grow, we understand more about one another. That’s what progress looks like. Anyone standing in the way of that is choosing ignorance.”
Her closing message was both simple and powerful — a statement of solidarity that resonated far beyond Hollywood.
“Trans women are women,” she said. “It’s that simple. And anyone who still has a problem with that needs to take a long, hard look at why.”
With her calm conviction, Scarlett Johansson reaffirmed that true strength lies in empathy — and that in the face of division, compassion remains the most powerful role anyone can play.