EXCLUSIVE: J.K. Rowling‘s agent Neil Blair has claimed that a trans rights protest at the gala performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child put people at risk.
During an event celebrating a shortened version of the West End stage show at the Palace Theatre on Thursday night, a number of protesters stormed the red carpet.
Wearing masks to conceal their identities, the individuals lay down on the carpet before being removed by security. One was wearing a shirt featuring the words: “Rowling money kills.”
Rowling has been staunchly critical of transgender rights activists, funding legal efforts to protect women’s rights and attacking trans people on social media.
In a statement provided to Deadline, Blair said: “We respect peaceful activism and the right to express different views. But those rights must be exercised without putting others at risk, including audience members, performers and theatre staff, as we saw yesterday evening during the protests outside the Palace Theatre in London ahead of the gala performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
“Above all, we want to continue bringing the magic of Harry Potter to the wonderful fans who have supported and embraced this world for so many years. Every fan deserves to enjoy the magic of Harry Potter in an atmosphere of respect and security, and we remain committed to keeping live theatre a welcoming and safe experience for everyone.”
The new version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been cut from a five-hour show performed across two parts to a single three-hour performance.