Pedro Pascal isn’t mincing words when it comes to J.K. Rowling’s latest stance on trans rights—and he’s made it very clear exactly where he stands.
The Last of Us star, 50, voiced his anger on Instagram following a U.K. Supreme Court ruling that sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ activists and allies around the world. The ruling, which Rowling celebrated online, stated that transgender women can be excluded from single-sex services and protections under Britain’s Equality Act. In simpler terms, it means that trans women can legally be treated as separate from cisgender women in certain spaces in the U.K.—a move that’s being widely condemned as a step backward for transgender rights.
Rowling, 59, supported the court’s decision both financially and publicly. She backed the campaign group For Women Scotland, which brought the legal challenge to court, and then cheered on the ruling with a celebratory post on X (formerly Twitter). Alongside a photo of herself holding a cigar and a drink, she wrote:
“I love it when a plan comes together. #SupremeCourt #WomensRights.”
Activist Tariq Ra’ouf posted a video breaking down Rowling’s involvement in the ruling and calling for a boycott of all things Harry Potter. “Do not support Harry Potter-related projects or experiences,” he urged, pointing out Rowling’s direct role in helping fund the legal case. He also blasted her online celebration as tone-deaf and harmful.
Pedro Pascal clearly agreed. Dropping into the comments under Ra’ouf’s video, the actor let loose:
“Awful disgusting SH– is exactly right. Heinous LOSER behavior.”
For Pascal, this issue hits close to home. His sister, Lux Pascal, came out as transgender in 2021, and he’s been a vocal supporter of her journey ever since. The Chilean-American actress, who graduated from Juilliard in 2023, has appeared on red carpets alongside her brother and has become a rising voice in LGBTQ+ activism. Pedro, for his part, continues to use his platform to speak up for trans rights—and he doesn’t care who’s listening.
Most recently, he showed up at the London premiere of Marvel’s Thunderbolts on April 22 wearing a bold white T-shirt with the words “PROTECT THE DOLLS” emblazoned across the front. The phrase is part of a campaign by American designer Conner Ives to spotlight the growing tide of anti-trans sentiment around the world. In queer culture, “dolls” is a term of endearment for trans women—and Pascal’s fashion choice was no accident.
While Pascal has long shown up for the LGBTQ+ community—both in his activism and through his roles—it’s his consistent, unwavering support of Lux that resonates most with fans. Whether it’s posting about her on Instagram, walking the red carpet with her, or calling out injustice like this, he’s made it clear that family, love, and human rights aren’t up for debate.
Pascal isn’t alone in calling out Rowling. Celebrities across the board have voiced their disappointment in the author—especially in the wake of this new ruling. Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan posted to her Instagram Stories with a blunt message:
“This is a new low for J.K. Rowling.”
She added,
“Keep your new Harry Potter lads,” referring to the upcoming HBO adaptation of the Harry Potter series.
“I wouldn’t touch [the series] with a ten-foot pole.”
Even the original Harry Potter trio—Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson—have previously distanced themselves from Rowling’s views and spoken out in support of the trans community.
Radcliffe, in a 2020 open letter for The Trevor Project, said:
“To all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished, I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you. I really hope that you don’t entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you.”
Watson also took to social media to show support, writing:
“Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are. I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are.”
While Rowling continues to defend her stance as one of protecting “women’s rights,” voices like Pascal’s—and many others—are pushing back with a louder, clearer message: trans rights are human rights, and no amount of wizard nostalgia is worth ignoring that truth.
