“It’s giving teacher talking to you and your bully who’s been beating you up for being gay.”

Keira Knightley is dealing with fierce criticism after showing unaware of the continued controversy surrounding Harry Potter writer J.Okay. Rowling.

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In an interview with Decider about her function as Professor Umbridge in Audible’s new Harry Potter: The Full Cast Audio, Knightley stated she “was not aware” of calls to boycott the franchise over Rowling’s vocally anti-trans views.

But it was her response, delivered with an ungainly chuckle and a plea for “respect” regardless of “differing opinions,” that has since drawn outrage, notably after it was posted by a conservative journal on-line.

Rowling’s views in regards to the transgender neighborhood have led many followers to boycott Harry Potter-related initiatives and merchandise during the last a number of years.

When requested whether or not she knew in regards to the requires a boycott, Knightley responded, “I was not aware of that, no. I’m very sorry,” later including that she hoped individuals might “find respect” regardless of differing opinions.

Footage of the interview rapidly unfold, and it didn’t take lengthy for her response to attract criticism, particularly after viewers observed she laughed whereas saying, “I’m very sorry,” and once more after remarking, “we’re all going to have to figure out how to live together.”

@deciderdotcom Keira Knightley says she “was not aware” of any #HarryPotter boycott when she signed on to voice Professor Umbridge in Audible’s upcoming seven-part audio e book adaptation of the J.Okay. Rowling collection. #keiraknightley #professorumbridge #jkrowling ♬ unique sound – Decider

Evie Magazine’s response and broader context

The interview clip was shared on X by Evie Magazine on Oct. 14, 2025, a publication that the journal proprietor described to the New York Times as a form of “conservative Cosmo.” The clip, which Evie captioned “oh Keira Knightley is OVER it” alongside a clapping arms emoji, has been watched over 15 million instances.

According to the Times, Evie typically publishes content material that assumes its readers aspire to conventional household roles, describing a worldview the place ladies “can study and work (just not at the expense of a family)” and “can even delay pregnancy (by using ‘natural’ fertility tracking methods).”

Viewers argue over whether or not Knightley’s laughter was nervous—or one thing worse

Reactions on X have been swift and overwhelmingly damaging.

One consumer, @TSoS_, wrote, “Keira Knightley is a Terf. Natalie Portman is a Zionist. What a terrible time for Naboo.”

@mattxiv added, “i need everyone to get more woke now.”

“very much disgusting to have the privilege of ignoring minorities hardships and laugh about it,” tweeted @noirsung.

Several customers on X expressed disappointment over the actor’s demeanor. @StopTweetingMia stated, “I think I was far too charitable when I originally just read the quote because I didn’t expect her to say it LIKE THAT???” Meanwhile, @hopeurloveslike commented, “oh all of my love and respect for Keira Knightly VANISHED. why the F*CK are you laughing at trans people losing their rights???”

Others targeted on the implications of her “live together” comment. @BenLeiker wrote, “asking any marginalized group to ‘live together’ and ‘respect’ those that want them banned from public life or erased from existence is the language of the oppressor.”

Although some instructed her laughter might have been nervous, the overall consensus on-line was that Knightley’s apology got here throughout as dismissive.

@noirsung tweeted, “very much disgusting to have the privilege of ignoring minorities hardships and laugh about it.”

“It’s giving teacher talking to you and your bully who’s been beating you up for being gay,” wrote @socoolrobyna.

After Evie’s tweet acquired backlash on social media from individuals crucial of Knightley’s cavalier perspective, its account wrote, “The reactions to this are so deranged. Trans advocates aren’t beating the allegations that they are mentally unstable, violent, and full of hate.”

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