Pedro Pascal, known for The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, has drawn attention for publicly criticizing J.K. Rowling following her response to a controversial U.K. Supreme Court ruling on trans rights. After Rowling celebrated the verdict, Pascal backed a viral boycott call and condemned her actions in a widely circulated Instagram comment. His reaction has reignited debate around Rowling’s influence and stance on gender identity.
Here’s what we know about Pedro Pascal’s comments and the controversy surrounding them.
What did Pedro Pascal say about J.K. Rowling’s views?
Pedro Pascal criticized J.K. Rowling for her reaction to a U.K. Supreme Court ruling that defined “woman” in the Equality Act based on biological sex.
In response to an Instagram video by activist Tariq Ra’ouf calling for a boycott of Harry Potter content, Pascal commented, “Awful disgusting SHIT is exactly right. Heinous LOSER behavior.” The video accused Rowling of supporting harmful rhetoric against the trans community.
Rowling had shared a photo of herself smoking a cigar after the ruling, captioning it, “I love it when a plan comes together,” and used hashtags including #SupremeCourt and #WomensRights. She also donated to the group that initiated the case. The decision prompted backlash from activists and organizations, with some alleging it could lead to discriminatory practices like male officers strip-searching trans women.
Pascal has spoken publicly in support of transgender rights, especially following his sister Lux Pascal’s coming out in 2021. In a February 2025 post, he wrote, “I can’t think of anything more vile and small and pathetic than terrorizing the smallest, most vulnerable community of people who want nothing from you, except the right to exist.”
At the April 22, 2025 premiere of Thunderbolts in London, Pascal wore a “Protect the Dolls” shirt designed by Conner Ives. Sales from the shirt benefit Trans Lifeline, a nonprofit supporting trans individuals in crisis.
The incident adds to growing public resistance against Rowling’s ongoing statements and actions. Other public figures, such as Nicola Coughlan, have distanced themselves from Rowling’s work, contributing to renewed scrutiny and debate around her influence and the future of Harry Potter-related media.
