A protest against author JK Rowling’s views on transgender rights disrupted the red-carpet event for ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ in London, prompting her agent Neil Blair to raise concerns about the safety of those attending.
According to Variety, the incident took place on Thursday evening outside the Palace Theatre, where guests had gathered for a gala performance of a shortened version of the West End production. Several protesters wearing masks lay down on the red carpet before security personnel removed them. One demonstrator wore a T-shirt bearing the words “Rowling money kills”.
In a statement to Deadline, Blair said he respected peaceful activism and the right to express differing opinions. However, he stressed that protests should not put audience members, performers or theatre staff at risk.
He added that the team behind the production wanted fans to enjoy the world of Harry Potter in a safe and welcoming environment, while reaffirming its commitment to making live theatre accessible to everyone.
Rowling has faced sustained criticism from transgender rights advocates over her public statements on gender identity and her support for legal campaigns concerning women’s rights.
Her views have divided audiences and prompted protests and calls to boycott events connected to the franchise.
The incident coincided with the launch of a streamlined version of ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’. The production, which originally ran for more than five hours across two parts, has been reworked into a single performance lasting approximately three hours.
