‘Harry Potter’ star Paapa Essiedu draws firm line on J.K. Rowling: ‘I don’t want to talk about Jo at all’

“I don’t want to talk about Jo at all,” Essiedu said. He continued by explaining that transgender people, queer people and individuals of all backgrounds have the right to feel respected and safe, whether at work, at home or in public.

His comments come amid continued controversy surrounding his casting as Snape, a character originally portrayed by Alan Rickman in the film adaptations. Since the announcement, Essiedu has faced racist abuse and death threats from individuals unhappy with the decision to cast a Black actor in the role.

In response, Harry Potter showrunner Francesca Gardiner has publicly defended the actor, condemning the harassment directed at him. Gardiner described the abuse as appalling and praised Essiedu for handling the situation with grace. She also said his performance deserved attention rather than the hostility surrounding his casting.

Essiedu has previously acknowledged the emotional impact of receiving threats, explaining that some messages explicitly targeted his race rather than his acting abilities. Rowling, meanwhile, addressed the casting controversy in May, stating that she did not believe actors should lose their jobs because of legally protected beliefs that differ from her own.

The upcoming television adaptation is scheduled to premiere on Christmas Day on HBO and HBO Max, bringing the franchise back to television with a new cast.