Emma Watson at the 75th British Academy Film Awards. Image Source: Mashable 

The British Academy Film Awards for 2022 were held successfully on March 13th, 2022, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, with actress Rebel Wilson serving as the host for the evening.

One of the highlights of the evening that has been pointed out by the audience is the fact that Emma Watson took her moment under the spotlight to take a subtle dig at J.K. Rowling.

During the ceremony, Rebel Wilson introduced Emma Watson, who was supposed to present an award for Outstanding British Film by stating, Emma calls herself a feminist, but we all know that she is a witch. And as soon as Emma Watson came on stage and took the podium, she said, I’m here for all the witches.

The audience somehow believes that the actress’ statement is a subtle dig at J.K. Rowling, and they are here for it. They call the actress a feminist and everyone should aim to be inclusive, supportive, and someone who refuses to step on those who are already oppressed. Fans have a reason to support Emma, which may or may not be a subtle dig at the author because of the author’s comments about the trans community.

J.K. Rowling has faced a lot of backlash because of her opinions and comments about the trans community since July 2020, especially after publishing an essay on her website where she wrote that biological sex is real. She also recently criticized the Labour Party’s stance on women and gender equality on International Women’s Day. Labour’s Sir Keir was asked to define a woman and he said that a woman is a female adult and added that trans women are women, and that’s the law.

J.K. Rowling has received backlash since 2020 for her comments and opinions about trans community. Image Source: The Times

Rowling wrote that under a Labour government, International Women’s Day would become "we who must not be named the day". She also said that a lot of women across the political spectrum wrote letters to her which showcased the anger building among them about the deaf ear turned to their well-founded concerns. J.K. Rowling also called out at Gender Recognition Reform Bill of Scotland which makes it easier for people to officially and legally change their sex if they wish to. The author called out the first minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon. 

The author went onto say that the bill is going to harm the most vulnerable women in the society, the ones who are apparently seeking help after violence, rape and incarnated women. Nicola clarified that she does not agree with the author's view but she is free to speak up her mind. Nicola mentioned that the GRA does not give trans people any more rights or takes away the rights from women. #JKDoestSpeaksForMe recently trended on Twitter after the author expressed concern about queer organizations undermining women's rights and same-sex attraction.

J.K. Rowling was labeled as TERF, which stands for Trans-exclusionary Radical Feminist after she took issue with the term "people who menstruate." Although she did clarify that she was not transphobic in December and mentioned she loves trans people but she continued to make comments that hurt the trans community. JKR revealed that a lot of trans activists have threatened to beat, rape, assassinate and bomb her, but that is not going to stop her from speaking out about what she believes in.

Where one section of the fans parsed the actress, another section did not forget to remind Emma Watson that (if the dig was for the author), she should remember whose talent it was to put her in the spotlight. Some called her a "woke brat" and ungrateful before adding that the author’s little finger has more talent than the actress. One of the fans wrote that Emma Watson is just so desperate to impress her trans fans.

In June 2020, the actress spoke for the trans community by taking it to her social media and wrote that Trans people are who they say they are and they deserve to live their lives the way they want rather the being questioned all the time and people trying to tell them that they aren't who they say. She lastly added that she wants her Trans fans and followers to know that people love them and respect them for who they are. 

Initially, Rebel Wilson who was the host of the show also took a dig at the author by stating that she has transformed a lot from the last time people saw and she hopes that J.K. Rowling approves of her before adding that she is just kidding. Rebel documented her weight loss journey on her social media. 

Emma Watson and J.K.Rowling have not yet commented on the matter!