Actor David Tennant, beloved for his roles in Doctor Who and Good Omens, has once again voiced his support for the transgender community, drawing a sharp contrast to author J.K. Rowling’s increasingly vocal gender-critical views.
Appearing on ITV1’s The Late Debate, Tennant was asked about Rowling’s recent online comments, where she mockingly sent “thoughts and prayers” following the election of Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, an apparent jab at Tennant’s outspoken criticism of Badenoch’s anti-trans policies. Tennant had previously said during the 2024 British LGBT Awards that Badenoch, who has championed restricting transgender individuals from single-sex spaces, should “shut up.”
When pressed for a response, Tennant offered a measured but powerful statement: “J.K. Rowling is a wonderful author who’s created brilliant stories, and I wish her no ill will. But I hope that we can all, as a society, just let people be. Just get out of people’s way.”
Tennant also reflected on the broader climate facing transgender people today, likening the current wave of demonization to other dark moments in history. “We look back on that now as a medieval, absurd thing to try and say, and I think the way the trans community is being demonized and othered is exactly the same. It’s become this kind of political football.”
His comments come at a critical time for transgender rights across the U.K. and beyond. Just last week, the U.K. Supreme Court ruled in favor of For Women Scotland, a gender-critical campaign group backed by Rowling, stating that under the Equality Act, the terms “woman” and “sex” refer strictly to biological sex. Rowling reportedly donated £70,000 to support the group’s legal efforts, solidifying her stance against expanding legal recognition for transgender women.
For many in the transgender community, the ongoing public clashes around Rowling’s views serve as a painful reminder of the barriers they continue to face. What makes Tennant’s support particularly meaningful is not just his platform, but the empathy behind his words—emphasizing respect, dignity, and the simple right to exist without hostility.
Tennant is far from alone among Harry Potter alumni in his stance. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint have all publicly distanced themselves from Rowling’s comments, reaffirming their support for trans rights over the past several years. Their united front has offered a critical source of solidarity for transgender fans of the iconic series, many of whom felt alienated by Rowling’s rhetoric.
Political agendas increasingly target trans individuals, but voices like Tennant’s offer a measure of hope and visibility. His call to “just let people be” resonates with the core truth at the heart of the transgender experience: that being who you are should never be a political battleground.
As attacks on trans rights escalate, statements of solidarity from public figures matter more than ever. Tennant’s words serve as a reminder that empathy and humanity are powerful forces—and that the fight for dignity, respect, and equality will continue.
