Doctor Who star Michelle Gomez has issued a statement addressed to her LGBTQ+ followers about her involvement in an upcoming series of Harry Potter audiobooks, after facing criticism from some fans for contributing to work from author JK Rowling.
Harry Potter author Rowling has faced backlash in some quarters due to her views on transgender rights.
It was recently confirmed that Gomez will voice Minerva McGonagall (previously played by Maggie Smith in the films) for Audible's new series, Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions.
After some expressed their disappointment about Gomez's casting, the actress shared a message on her Instagram Story, which reads: "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.
"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."
Gomez, also known for playing Missy in Doctor Who, added: "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.
"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 when it's needed. I'm committed to doing both."
In 2020, Rowling published a lengthy statement detailing her stance on sex and gender debates – the essay was criticised and disputed by LGBTQ+ charities including Stonewall.
Rowling has also shared her views on social media, including in a 2024 post on X (formerly Twitter) in which she insisted that "there are no trans kids" and opposed the idea that a child can be "born in the wrong body".
In May 2025, Rowling set up the JK Rowling Women’s Fund, which describes itself as offering legal funding support to "individuals and organisations fighting to retain women’s sex-based rights".
Harry Potter actors including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have distanced themselves from Rowling's views and have issued statements supporting the transgender community.
Others, including Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Jim Broadbent, have defended the author from the criticism she has received.
The Philosopher's Stone, the first instalment of the new audiobooks, will be released this November and will also feature several other starry names on the cast.
The line-up includes comedy legend Hugh Laurie as Albus Dumbledore, Succession alum Matthew Macfadyen as Lord Voldemort and Doctor Who star Gomez as Professor McGonagall.
The Phoenician Scheme's Riz Ahmed will also feature as the enigmatic Professor Snape, while Criminal Record's Cush Jumbo has been tapped to narrate the "immersive" new adaptations.
Arabella Stanton, who's also been cast as Hermione in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series, has also been cast as the young muggle-born witch in the audiobooks.
According to Audible, more than 200 actors will feature in these full-cast audio adaptations, with more roles to be announced this autumn.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: The Full-Cast Audio Edition is available on Tuesday 4th November. Read our list of the best audiobooks on Audible to listen to right now.
Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
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