9 hours ago
Trans Ally Pedro Pascal Lets Loose on J.K. Rowling's 'Heinous LOSER Behavior' after UK Supreme Court Ruling
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
"The Last of Us" actor Pedro Pascal – a longtime champion of the trans community and brother of trans actress Lux Pascal – aired his unvarnished thoughts on self-described TERF J.K. Rowling, slamming the "Harry Potter" author on what Pascal termed her "Heinous LOSER Behavior."
People Magazine reported that Pascal's critique took the form of a comment left at a video posted to Instagram by trans rights advocate Tariq Ra'ouf after Rowling took to social media to celebrate a ruling from the UK Supreme Court that finds only women assigned female at birth to be recognized as women under Britain's Equality Act.
"In the Instagram video, activist Tariq Ra'ouf explains Rowling's role in the ruling – she financially backed the campaign group For Women Scotland, which brought the legal challenges to court – and called for a boycott of 'Harry Potter-related' projects and experiences," the outlet relayed.
"Ra'ouf also called out Rowling's recent post cheering on the ruling with a cigar and drink in hand on X, as she wrote: 'I love it when a plan comes together. #SupremeCourt #WomensRights.'"
"Awful disgusting SH-- is exactly right," Pascal declared in the video's comments. "Heinous LOSER behavior."
Pascal's allyship has been visible and consistent. The "Mandalorian" star was seen at a recent bash celebrating his 50th birthday with sister Lux in attendance and Pascal sporting a T-shirt reading, "Protect the Dolls" – a trans-supportive message.
Pascal showed that message off once again while attending the April 22 London premiere of the Marvel superhero movie "Thunderbolts," People noted.
"The T-shirt is a part of a larger campaign by American designer Conner Ives," People went on to explain. "Ives, 28, designed the piece to call attention to the global anti-transgender sentiment that trans women are experiencing in several countries."
Added the entertainment news outlet: "Pascal frequently shows public support for Lux's transition, and she has accompanied Pascal to several red carpet premieres. Lux is an actress and activist who graduated from The Juilliard School in New York City in 2023."
The Court ruling "is limited to defining the term 'woman' within the country's Equality Act 2010," CNN detailed in an April 19 article, "meaning trans women are no longer protected from discrimination as women, although they remain protected from discrimination in other forms."
"But in practice, the impacts of the ruling are likely to be wider than the court suggested," CNN cautioned. "The UK's equalities regulator has said it will issue new guidance on single-sex spaces following the decision."
"The ruling has also energized the polarized debate surrounding transgender rights."
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
