Scottish actor Sean Biggerstaff, known for portraying Oliver Wood in the Harry Potter films, has responded powerfully to claims that he owes his career to Harry Potter author JK Rowling.
After voicing his support for the trans community in light of the UK Supreme Court’s recent ruling defining “woman” strictly as “biological woman,” Biggerstaff became the target of online abuse from anti-trans campaigners.
One of those critics, gender-critical writer Graham Linehan, posted a photo of Harry Potter leads Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint — all outspoken supporters of trans rights — and questioned their loyalty to Rowling. “Wonder how these disloyal bags of sh*t are doing today,” Linehan wrote.
Biggerstaff swiftly replied: “You don’t have to wonder. You know what they’re doing – leading happy and successful lives, having not driven their families away with their hateful obsessions.” His post quickly racked up over two million views on X, sparking a wave of both praise and backlash.
The backlash intensified, with some claiming Rowling gave Biggerstaff his career. One user accused him and the Harry Potter stars of being “ungrateful” and achieving fame only because of Rowling. Biggerstaff shot back:
“Is there any other area of work/life where people regularly suggest that you owe eternal fealty to any former colleague whose success you have benefited from, regardless of subsequent events?”
Another critic suggested Rowling personally discovered him, to which he quipped: “Wait, does everyone think Jo Rowling came down to my school or youth club and personally picked me out of total obscurity or something?”
In reality, Biggerstaff already had a budding acting career prior to joining the Harry Potter franchise. He had roles in respected productions such as the 1997 film The Winter Guest alongside Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson, and the BBC drama The Crow Road, years before debuting as Oliver Wood in 2001.
When asked if he was refusing Harry Potter-related earnings, Biggerstaff sarcastically replied: “Absolutely yeah. I figured, if ever I’m not keen on anything Jo’s said, it’s only right that Warner Bros Inc keep hold of the money they owe me. This is obviously sane.”
His comments come amid continued controversy surrounding Rowling’s vocal gender-critical views. After the Supreme Court ruling, the author posted a celebratory photo smoking a cigar and drinking a cocktail, calling it “TERF VE Day” and suggesting Labour leader Keir Starmer apologise for previously expressing support for the trans community.
