JK Rowling explains absence from Harry Potter reunion and says she 'didn't want to do it'

Potterheads who missed JK Rowling's presence at this year's reunion special will be keen to hear that the author has finally spoken out about not meeting up with the Hogwarts alumni.

The special, Return to Hogwarts, saw Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and a host of other cast members on the 20th anniversary of the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Rowling, 57, has become a controversial figure over her comments on gender identity and has attracted criticism from many, including Watson and Radcliffe.

She has previously said she was partly motivated to speak out about transgender issues because of her experience of domestic abuse and sexual assault.

The author did still feature in the recent 20th anniversary show, but only in a few archive video clips rather than appearing with the actors.

Speaking to Graham Norton on Virgin Radio UK, Rowling opened up about not being there with the rest of the gang.

Alamy

She said: “I was asked to be on that and I decided I didn’t want to do it. It was about the films more than the books.

“Quite rightly, that was what the anniversary was about. I was asked to do it and I decided not to.”

The show saw members of the cast join filmmaker Chris Columbus to discuss the franchise and explore its creation.

Despite Rowling’s views attracting criticism from some of the Potter stars, she did add that she still speaks to some of the cast.

Alamy

She told Norton: “Yes, I do. Some more than others but that was always the case. Some I knew better than others.”

Just last year, Rowling's address was posted online by campaigners who posed outside her home with 'Trans liberation now' signs.

Speaking about social media, Rowling told Norton: “I did actually take, I think, a whole year off Twitter, or quite a long time, and then when Covid happened.

“I actually didn’t go back on for the pub brawl stuff. I went back on it because I wanted to do The Ickabog – so that was a children’s book for those who don’t know. And so I wanted to put it out for free and Twitter was a really good [place to do so].

“So I went back on for the intention of doing The Ickabog and I sort of have a bit of a love/hate relationship with it now.

“I can happily go for a few days without getting into a pub brawl.”