Bridgerton actor Nicola Coughlan has firmly distanced herself from HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, citing her support for trans rights and criticism of JK Rowling’s views.

Amid renewed controversy surrounding Rowling’s online celebration of the UK Supreme Court’s recent ruling — which determined that legal definitions of "woman" are based on biological sex — Coughlan took to Instagram to express her frustration. Sharing an article titled A New Low for JK Rowling, she wrote, “Keep your new Harry Potter lads. Wouldn’t touch it with a 10ft pole.”

Coughlan has previously described the ruling as “stomach-churning”, writing: “To see an already marginalised community being further attacked and attacked in law is really stomach-churning and disgusting, and to see people celebrate it is more stomach-churning and disgusting.”

The debate over trans rights and Rowling’s comments has caused an ongoing divide, especially within the Harry Potter fanbase and cast. Several of the franchise’s original stars have voiced their opposition to Rowling’s stance over the years.

Daniel Radcliffe previously declared, “Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people.”

Emma Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger, also affirmed her solidarity with the trans community, stating, “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned.” Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, has similarly shown public support.

Rowling, however, has continued to defend her position and recently made a veiled jab at the Harry Potter trio. Responding to a social media question that asked, “What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?” she replied, “Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible,” adding three laughing emojis.