Keira Knightley defends decision to join Harry Potter audiobook cast amid backlash

Keira Knightley admitted she "was not aware" of the backlash against the Harry Potter franchise as she defended her decision to join the cast of the audiobook. Many fans have boycotted the wizarding franchise due to author J.K. Rowling's transphobic views and controversial posts.

Last month, it was revealed that Atonement actress Keira would voice Professor Umbridge in Pottermore Publishing and Audible's Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions. And now, Keira has apologised to fans as she defended joining the cast in a recent interview.

"I was not aware of that, no. I’m very sorry. You know, I think we’re all living in a period of time right now where we’re all going to have to figure out how to live together, aren’t we?

READ MORE: Stacey Solomon insists to keep these items you'd throw in the bin for surprising reason

READ MORE: Big Brother's George Gilbert worked with Ed Sheeran and Liz Hurley weeks before show axe

She said to Decider : "And we’ve all got very different opinions. I hope that we can all find respect.”

After Rowling previously celebrated the UK's Supreme Court ruling that stops transgender women from being legally recognised as women, over 400 people signed a letter asking the film and TV industry to take action on trans rights.

One artist who signed was Paapa Essiedu, who was cast as Professor Snap in the upcoming Harry Potter series on HBO.

Trans people living in the UK have faced a decline in their rights and safety in 2025, after the UK Supreme Court ruled in favour of the definition of a woman being biological in sex.

However, despite this, Google search trends show that advocacy for trans rights has risen by 50% over the past year.

Michelle Gomez has also been on the receiving end of backlashfor joining the audible cast. The Glasgow-born performer shared a statement via her Instagram Stories this summer, stating, according to Entertainment Weekly: "To my LGBTQ+ fans, and especially the trans community: I want to speak directly to the concerns that have been raised about my involvement in this project."

"I want to speak directly to the concerns that have been raised about my involvement in this project. I hear you, and I understand why this is painful for many. I want to be clear that I stand with trans people, and I support trans rights - fully and without hesitation.

"When I accepted this role, I did so as someone who has always loved the stories and what they meant to so many - especially those who found comfort and identity in that world. I now understand more clearly how deeply complicated and hurtful this association can feel, and I take that seriously.

"Being an ally means listening even when it's uncomfortable and taking accountability where it's needed. I'm committed to doing both."

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Threads.

READ MORE: 'Warm and cosy' electric blanket is 'much cheaper than having the heating on'

READ MORE: 'I'm a wine connoisseur and this wine advent calendar is the best I've found'