Pedro Pascal is calling out J.K. Rowling for her “disgusting” anti-trans viewpoints.
The “Last of Us” star, 50, slammed the “Harry Potter” author, 59, after an Instagram video posted April 17 argued that she was “reveling” in the U.K. Supreme Court’s ruling against trans women.
Pedro commented on the video, writing that the words “awful” and “disgusting” are the “right” way to describe the British author’s views, adding that Rowling engaged in “heinous LOSER behavior.”
USA TODAY reached out to reps for Pascal. Rowling’s rep declined to comment.
J.K. Rowling celebrated UK Supreme Ciyrt ruling with a cigar. Backlash was swift.
The pair are on opposite ends of the global conversation about gender and trans rights: Pascal, the brother of trans actress Lux, is a pro-trans advocate while Rowling has long espoused anti-trans views.
J.K. Rowling courted backlash for cigar picture after U.K. anti-trans ruling
The U.K.’s highest court ruled on April 16 that the definition of a woman under equality legislation referred to “biological sex” and that trans women with gender recognition certificates are not protected from discrimination as a woman under Britain’s Equality Act.
In several posts on X, Rowling celebrated “terfs” and referred to the ruling as “TERF VE Day,” a play on V-E Day, the formal end of World War II and Nazi occupation in Europe. Since 2019, Rowling has been labeled a “terf,” or trans-exclusionary radical feminist, for her anti-trans beliefs that conflate sex with gender and suggest that changing one’s biological sex threatens her own gender identity.
“I love it when a plan comes together,” Rowling posted to X alongside “#SupremeCourt” and “#WomensRights” while beachside with a drink and a cigar. Rowling reportedly donated £70,000 (about $93,000) to For Women Scotland, the campaign group that argued the case, according to U.K. news outlet The Times.
While the court said trans people would not be disadvantaged by the decision, critics worry it could lead to discrimination, especially regarding employment issues.
Pedro Pascal wore a ‘protect the dolls’ shirt to raise awareness for trans rights
Pascal has become a walking billboard for trans rights, pleasing fans and advocates alike. At the London premiere of his new film “Thunderbolts” on April 22, Pascal wore a white “support the dolls” shirt with black lettering.
The shirt is used to express support for trans women, who are sometimes referred to as dolls. Fashion designer Conner Ives created the shirt and wore it at London Fashion Week in February. He told The New York Times that he woke up the morning after his fashion week show with a flood of emails asking where to buy it.
Pedro Pascal wears ‘protect the dolls’ shirt at ‘Thunderbolts’ red carpet: See photo
According to Ives’ website, proceeds from the sale of the shirt are being donated to Trans Lifeline, a nonprofit that offers support to trans people in crisis. Weeks before Ives debuted the shirt, President Donald Trump announced the federal government would recognize only two sexes, male and female.
In his personal life, Pascal has shown public support for his little sister. In an Esquire interview from 2023, Pascal said his sister has “always been one of the most powerful people and personalities I’ve ever known,” adding that “my protective side is lethal, but I need her more than she needs me.”
Contributing: Brendan Morrow, Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pedro Pascal slams JK Rowling as ‘heinous’ for anti-trans views
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