Helena Bonham Carter speaks up for JKR

Quite!

I agree with this. Of course it would have been welcome if HBC had spoken out as an actor but I don't agree with complaining about those who don't - even JKR hesitated and prevaricated at first. The people I will happily point a finger at are the politicians and others in public office who stay quiet.

There were plenty of findings of abuse against Johnny Depp.

A lot of my abusive ex's friends think he is utterly charming and lovely. Even in some cases those who saw him treat me horrendously.

Personally I think what she says is fair enough. She doesn't specifically say which "side" she agrees with, if either, but she feels quite strongly they should both be allowed their own views without being hounded.

I agree Radcliffe et al shouldn't have criticised JKR but I do think they are allowed to disagree with her and to say so publicly, and I think their views were genuine and strongly held. I don't think they were putting the boot in just for the sake of it.

I mean personally I agree with JKR but I think Radcliffe et al are entitled to say they disagree. It's the absolute hounding of JKR and the "no debate" that's terrible.

I think we're getting a lot closer to being able to debate the issue now, which is a great thing.

Shes speaking up now - for those complaining - because she has been appointed as the first female president of the London Library. On page 2 of the Sunday Times- ‘….. she used her appointment as the first female president of the London Library to condemn ‘hounding’ of the Harry Potter author JKRowling. The actor said moves to cancel her views on gender were motivated by intolerance and envy’
So true.

I imagine her long standing history with Johnny Depp and her intimate and deep knowledge of him, his character and I imagine Amber's character probably puts her in a better place to comment on these things than a load of randoms on mumsnet?

Agreed.

This interview made me like her. She's not stupid and has said exactly what she wants to say. I would take from this that she's in agreement with JK and thinks there's no issue with JK speaking out about her opinion and experience. I imagine she's got no interest in being quotable on this subject but it's clearly the younger cast she's judging for speaking out against what JK said.

She's not really defending JK. She's actually not saying very much at all. she's either swallowed one too many self help books and now can't see the wood for the trees or she's fully aware of who holds the power as far as her career is concerned and isn't willing to rock the boat. Either which way I can't see how this article sheds any light on the erosion of women's rights or their safety.

I agree with this.

There's a brief mention of Weinstein and Polanski following this "Do you ban a genius for their sexual practices?" Polanski raped and sodomised a child. And I don't agree with her regarding the Depp/Heard case.

Disappointing.

I was in a very stressful situation as a single girl in London and weirdly she was there and gave me a lovely smile! So have always liked her.

Yes Dyson and Clarice .I agree.

She's v careful though. Critical of JKs treatment. Says her views are because of JKs own experiences of trauma. Refuses to comment on Emma etc.

Better than nothing. And a strong and necessary statement around censorship as she takes on her role for the library.

Dislike the Jonny take. I disagree.

Makes perfect sense.

I thought the same when I read it. It's not a defence of JKR and her beliefs, nor does it confirm that HBC's beliefs align with JKR (which is what I was hoping to read).

Disappointing.

I loved that, thanks for the share. "It's all a load of bollocks" is exactly the kind of response required.

It is so refreshing to read a celeb interview like this these days, where the interviewer isn't leading the subject into a gotcha soundbite or inserting themselves and their own agenda into every paragraph (ahem TheGuardian ahem) This is good, clear writing that doesn't judge and lets HBC speak for herself, and it's lovely to read. Will seek out more of this in the Times.

Am I being picky for not finding her words to be a real staunce defence of JKR? It reads a bit wishy washy to me.

She starts of strong .... it's bollocks etc...but then precedes to rather dilute it by saying JKR is speaking from 'her trauma' in other words 'lived experience' or 'her truth' as opposed to 'the truth'

Am I making sense or just being a bit too pessimist?

Not so impressed with her Johnny Depp take 🤨

Took way too long in my opinion.

It is good of her to speak up but why did it take Helena so long to find her voice? I mean what JKR said was rooted firmly in common sense.

The cynic in me thinks many celebrities wait to see how the wind blows and then lean towards the popular opinion.

I don't think it read as much of a defence of JKR at all. And some of her other opinions are way off, which I fear means it'll seem as though her JKR one is wrong too

She might have given qualified support to JKR but her denouncement of Amber Heard and Depp "being okay now" means the little respect I have ever had for her remains the same.

I admire her even more now!

Once again, the older HP star speaks up for JKR, sense and truth. And shames the snivelling little shits.

She is fabulous, love her.

What’s not to admire?

a strong, sexy, intelligent woman.