Michelle Gomez issues statement after Harry Potter casting backlash: ‘I understand why this is painful’

Scottish actress Michelle Gomez, best known for playing Missy in Doctor Who, has responded to backlash after she was cast in new audiobook series Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions.

Gomez is set to voice the role of Professor McGonagall in the audio series, which is helmed by Audible and Pottermore Publishing, the latter of which is owned by Harry Potter author JK Rowling.

JK Rowling has faced a great deal of controversy over the last five years for her outspoken, ‘gender-critical’ views about transgender people. As such, actors involved in upcoming Harry Potter projects are frequently criticised by the LGBTQ+ community.

After the cast of the audiobook series was revealed, such a backlash did hit Gomez, with many on social media describing her involvement as “disappointing”.

The actress has now addressed the criticism in a statement on her Instagram Stories account, in which she stated that she stands with trans people “fully and without hesitation”.

“To my LGBTQ+ fans, and especially the trans community: I want to speak directly to the concerns that have been raised about my involvement in this project,” she began.

“I hear you, and I understand why this is painful for many. I want to be clear that I stand with trans people, and I support trans rights – fully and without hesitation.

“When I accepted this role, I did so as someone who has always loved the stories and what they meant to so many – especially those who found comfort and identity in that world,” she wrote.

“I now understand more clearly how deeply complicated and hurtful this association can feel, and I take that seriously. Being an ally means listening even when it’s uncomfortable and taking accountability where it’s needed. I’m committed to doing both.”

Though Gomez stopped short of apologising for accepting the role, she shared that she had made a donation to Callen-Lorde, an LGBTQ+ health organisation in New York.

Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions will also feature House star Hugh Laurie as Albus Dumbledore, Succession’s Matthew Macfadyen as Lord Voldemort, and Sound of Metal actor Riz Amed as Professor Snape.

Torchwood star Cush Jumbo will appear as the audiobook narrator; she was criticised by Drag Race UK contestant Kate Butch over her involvement in the project, as Jumbo had appeared as a guest judge on the LGBTQ+ show back in 2023.

None of the other actors involved in the audiobook project have responded to the backlash.

Those involved in the audiobook – and in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot – have faced criticism by those who believe that by taking part in a Potter project, actors are helping to financially support JK Rowling.

JK Rowling recently revealed that she had donated a sum of money to support the legal battle which preceded the UK’s Supreme Court ruling that trans women are excluded from the legal definition of “women” under the 2010 Equality Act.

The writer also revealed that she had set up the JK Rowling Women’s Fund to support similar legal cases.

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